A 58-yr-old male patient who is diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome has ascites and 4+ leg edema. Which patient problem is present, based on these findings?
inadequate nutrition
Poor perfusion
Activity intolerance
Excess fluid volume
The Correct Answer is D
A. Inadequate nutrition: Clients with nephrotic syndrome can experience protein loss in the urine leading to malnutrition, but the presence of ascites and 4+ leg edema directly indicates fluid retention rather than poor nutrition alone.
B. Poor perfusion: Poor perfusion is associated with signs such as hypotension, weak pulses, or cool extremities. While edema can impair tissue oxygenation to some extent, the primary problem here is not circulatory perfusion but excessive fluid accumulation.
C. Activity intolerance: Activity intolerance may develop secondarily due to discomfort from edema and ascites, but it is not the central issue reflected in the assessment findings. The immediate problem is fluid overload causing the visible physical changes.
D. Excess fluid volume: The hallmark signs of nephrotic syndrome include severe edema and ascites caused by low serum albumin and fluid shifting into interstitial spaces. These findings clearly demonstrate fluid retention, making excess fluid volume the primary patient problem.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Take phenazopyridine for at least 7 days: Phenazopyridine is a urinary analgesic and does not treat the underlying infection. It should be used only for symptom relief, usually for a short duration, and not as a substitute for the full course of antibiotics.
B. Phenazopyridine may cause photosensitivity: Photosensitivity is not a commonly reported side effect of phenazopyridine. The primary concern with this medication relates to its effects on urine color rather than skin sensitivity to sunlight.
C. Phenazopyridine may change the urine color: Phenazopyridine can turn urine a reddish-orange color, which is harmless but important for patients to understand to avoid alarm. Educating the patient about this expected effect improves adherence and reduces anxiety related to urine discoloration.
D. Take phenazopyridine before sexual course: Phenazopyridine is not indicated as a preventative or prophylactic measure for sexual activity. Its use is for symptomatic relief of urinary discomfort and should be coordinated with the prescribed antibiotic regimen.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Decreased blood pressure: Nephrotic syndrome is typically associated with fluid retention rather than fluid deficit. Most clients present with normal or elevated blood pressure due to sodium and water retention, making decreased blood pressure an unlikely finding.
B. Poor skin turgor: Poor skin turgor is generally a sign of dehydration. In nephrotic syndrome, the problem is not dehydration but rather fluid shifting into interstitial spaces, leading to edema rather than loss of skin elasticity from fluid deficit.
C. Recent weight gain: Weight gain is expected in nephrotic syndrome due to massive proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and subsequent edema formation. The retained fluid leads to a rapid increase in body weight, often accompanied by swelling in the face, extremities, and abdomen.
D. Elevated urine ketones: Elevated urine ketones are typically seen in uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or starvation, not nephrotic syndrome. In nephrotic syndrome, urinalysis usually reveals proteinuria, lipiduria, and the presence of casts rather than ketones.
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