A nurse is caring for a school-age child in the pediatric unit.
Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices below to specify what condition the client is most likely experiencing, 2 actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and 2 parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client's progress.
The Correct Answer is []
- Nephrotic Syndrome: The child presents with periorbital and abdominal edema, foamy dark-colored urine, significant proteinuria (24 mg/dL), hypoalbuminemia (1.4 g/dL), and hyperlipidemia (cholesterol 465 mg/dL), all of which are classic indicators of nephrotic syndrome. The elevated ESR and low sodium further support an inflammatory renal process with fluid retention.
- Chronic Kidney Disease: CKD is a long-term progressive decline in kidney function. This child shows acute findings with severe proteinuria and low albumin, consistent with nephrotic syndrome, not CKD.
- Acute Glomerulonephritis: Usually presents with hematuria (cola-colored urine), hypertension, and mild proteinuria. This client has severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and edema, which are more typical of nephrotic syndrome.
- Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome: Commonly follows a gastrointestinal illness and includes anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury. This child’s platelets are elevated, not low, and there's no history of diarrheal illness, making HUS unlikely.
- Encourage a low sodium diet: Sodium restriction helps manage fluid retention and edema which are key concerns in nephrotic syndrome. It also prevents worsening of ascites and periorbital swelling.
- Administer oral corticosteroids: This is the first-line treatment for idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, especially in children. Corticosteroids reduce glomerular permeability, limiting protein loss in the urine and promoting remission.
- Initiate peritoneal dialysis: Dialysis is only indicated in severe renal failure, which this child does not have. There’s no indication of uremia or electrolyte crisis, so dialysis is not appropriate at this stage.
- Intake and output: Essential for assessing fluid balance. Children with nephrotic syndrome may retain fluid or have decreased urine output, making I&O a crucial measure.
- Daily weight: This is the most accurate way to track fluid retention or loss. Daily weight is important for evaluating response to treatment, especially as edema resolves.
- Head circumference: This is monitored in infants and toddlers, especially to assess for hydrocephalus or growth delays. It is not relevant for a school-age child with kidney issues.
- HbA1C: A measure of long-term blood glucose control, used for diagnosing and managing diabetes. Has no relevance in the diagnosis or management of nephrotic syndrome.
- Urine specific gravity: While useful in initial diagnosis (and already elevated), it is not the best indicator of ongoing progress. Daily weight and I&O are more practical and reliable for assessing edema and treatment response.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Wear clothing with zippers instead of buttons. This may be helpful for caregivers or for promoting independence in dressing, but it does not directly enhance safety in the home for a client with Alzheimer’s disease.
B. Place locks at the tops of exterior doors. Clients with Alzheimer’s are at risk for wandering, especially in later stages. Placing locks at the tops of doors helps prevent elopement while still allowing caregivers to control access, thus enhancing home safety.
C. Replace the carpet with hardwood floors. Carpets can actually provide more traction and cushioning than hardwood, which may be slippery and increase the risk of falls. Removing carpet is not necessary and could reduce safety.
D. Encourage physical activity prior to bedtime. Physical activity is beneficial but should be scheduled earlier in the day, as exercise close to bedtime may increase stimulation and interfere with sleep, which is already often disrupted in Alzheimer’s clients.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "The estimated blood loss was 250 milliliters." This is a relevant clinical detail that directly impacts the client’s postoperative care. It provides important information for ongoing assessment of fluid status, potential for anemia, and need for interventions.
B. "The client was intubated without complications." While important during surgery, this is less relevant in the postoperative period unless the intubation caused complications or the client remains intubated. It does not guide current nursing care.
C. "There was a total of 10 sponges used during the procedure." Sponge counts are part of surgical safety and accountability, but they are not typically necessary in nursing hand-off unless a retained item is suspected.
D. "The client is a member of the board of directors." This is not clinically relevant and could breach confidentiality or bias care. Hand-off reports should focus solely on the client’s medical condition and nursing care needs.
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