The nurse is caring for a preschooler with nephrotic syndrome. Which of the following signs and symptoms is a characteristic of minimal change nephrotic syndrome?
Explanation
• Nephrotic syndrome is a nonspecific disorder in which the kidneys are damaged and allow the leakage of proteins into the urine. Minimal change disease refers to damage to the glomeruli of the kidneys that cannot be seen under a regular microscope. It is idiopathic in origin.
• Minimal change disease is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in children.
• Clinical manifestations of nephrotic syndrome include edema, proteinuria, and weight gain due to fluid overload.
Incorrect options:
• Gross hematuria is associated with nephritic syndrome.
• Fever would occur only if there is an infection.
• Hypertension may occur, but these patients are generally normotensive.