A client with nephrotic syndrome is at increased risk of developing thromboembolic events. What is the underlying pathophysiological reason for this increased risk?

A. Incorrect. While a renal biopsy may provide information about kidney function and glomerular filtration rate, its primary purpose in diagnosing nephrotic syndrome is to identify the specific histopathological changes in the kidney, which can help confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment decisions.

B. Incorrect. The response to diuretic therapy can be monitored through other means, such as assessing urine output and fluid balance. A renal biopsy is not performed primarily to evaluate the response to diuretics.

C. Incorrect. Renal biopsy is not typically used to evaluate the extent of renal inflammation and infection. Other imaging or laboratory tests are more suitable for assessing renal inflammation and infection.

D. Correct. A renal biopsy is the definitive diagnostic procedure for nephrotic syndrome. It allows the pathologist to examine a small tissue sample from the kidney and identify the specific histopathological changes, such as glomerular changes, that confirm the diagnosis.

A. Incorrect. Elevated platelet count and clotting factors are not characteristic of nephrotic syndrome. Clients with nephrotic syndrome tend to have normal platelet counts.

B. Incorrect. Decreased blood viscosity and enhanced blood flow would not directly lead to an increased risk of thromboembolic events in nephrotic syndrome.

C. Incorrect. While impaired liver function may impact clotting factors, it is not a common manifestation of nephrotic

syndrome.

D. Correct. Nephrotic syndrome is associated with a loss of anticoagulant proteins, particularly antithrombin III, in the urine. This loss of anticoagulant proteins contributes to a state of hypercoagulability, increasing the risk of thromboembolic events, such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.