A nurse is caring for four clients for whom she has to administer oral medications in the morning. The nurse should administer which of the following medications before breakfast?

A. Apply cool sterile soaks to the child's head.

Explanation: Applying cool sterile soaks to the child's head would not directly address periorbital edema. Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder that results in proteinuria (loss of protein in urine), leading to fluid accumulation and edema. Cooling the head would not have a significant impact on reducing periorbital edema caused by nephrotic syndrome.

B. Apply warm compresses.

Explanation: Correct Choice. Applying warm compresses can help increase blood circulation and promote the reabsorption of excess fluid causing periorbital edema. Warmth can dilate blood vessels and improve the movement of fluids, potentially alleviating the edema.

C. Encourage the child to eat low protein foods.

Explanation: While dietary modifications might be part of managing nephrotic syndrome, specifically encouraging low protein foods may not directly address periorbital edema. The primary treatment for nephrotic syndrome involves medications to control proteinuria and manage fluid balance.

D. Elevate the head of the bed.

Explanation: Elevating the head of the bed is more commonly used to manage conditions like heart failure or obstructive sleep apnea. It might have some impact on overall fluid distribution, but it's not the most effective measure for reducing periorbital edema caused by nephrotic syndrome.

A. Maintain a saline-lock:

Maintaining a saline lock is important for potential intravenous access, but it is not the most urgent priority compared to actions that directly monitor the child's condition and help manage the disease.

B. Check the child's daily weight:

Monitoring daily weight is crucial in acute glomerulonephritis, as it helps assess fluid balance and detect early signs of fluid retention or worsening kidney function, which are key concerns in this condition. This makes it a priority action.

C. Place the child on a no-salt-added diet:

While dietary modifications can be important for managing various health conditions, including kidney issues, this is not the top priority in this situation. Reducing salt intake can help manage fluid retention, but it is not the nurse's priority action at this moment.

D. Educate the parents about potential complications:

Patient education is crucial, especially in chronic conditions, but in this acute care scenario, the nurse's immediate priority is to address the child's needs. Educating parents about potential complications should be done, but it's not the most immediate action.