A toddler diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome has a nursing diagnosis of excess fluid related to fluid accumulation (generalized edema). Which nursing intervention would be the priority to include in the nursing plan of care?

A. Using a suppository for bowel movement is a common approach for managing bowel function in people with paralysis and is appropriate.

B. Carrying a water bottle to stay hydrated is important, especially since individuals with paralysis may be at increased risk of urinary tract infections. Adequate hydration is beneficial.

C. Doing wheelchair exercises while watching TV is a proactive way to maintain muscle tone and overall health, which is crucial for individuals with paralysis.

D. "I only need to catheterize myself twice every day!"

Explanation: In the context of spina bifida and paralysis from the waist down, catheterization is often required for bladder management. Individuals with this condition often experience urinary retention and require intermittent catheterization to empty their bladder. However, "twice every day" is not usually sufficient for someone with paraplegia. Adequate catheterization frequency is crucial to prevent urinary retention, infections, and other complications.

A) Seizure Precautions:

While seizure precautions are important in certain clinical situations, they are not directly related to the excess fluid and generalized edema associated with nephrotic syndrome. Nephrotic syndrome is primarily characterized by proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and fluid retention, which can lead to edema. Seizure precautions would not directly address the fluid imbalance in this context.

B) Ambulation:

Ambulation involves walking or movement and is not a priority intervention for addressing excess fluid and generalized edema. The primary concern in nephrotic syndrome with fluid accumulation is to manage the fluid balance and prevent further complications related to edema, such as respiratory distress or compromised circulation.

C) Daily weight:

This is the correct priority intervention. Daily weight monitoring is crucial in managing fluid balance and assessing the effectiveness of treatment in a child with nephrotic syndrome and fluid accumulation. Sudden weight gain can indicate worsening edema, while weight loss might indicate a response to treatment. Daily weight monitoring provides essential information to adjust fluid and medication management accordingly.

D) Keep bed position flat:

While maintaining a flat bed position may help improve venous return and fluid distribution, it is not the priority intervention for managing excess fluid and generalized edema in a child with nephrotic syndrome. Monitoring daily weight and adjusting treatment based on weight changes are more directly related to addressing the fluid imbalance.