A client with nephrotic syndrome presents with periorbital edema. Which additional assessment finding should the nurse anticipate?

A. Correct. Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by increased protein loss in the urine, leading to hypoalbuminemia and a weakened immune system. Clients with nephrotic syndrome are at a higher risk of infection, so the priority nursing intervention is to assess for signs of infection and initiate appropriate treatment promptly.

B. Incorrect. While monitoring blood glucose levels is essential in some conditions, it is not the priority for a client with nephrotic syndrome.

C. Incorrect. Dietary education may be necessary, but increasing protein intake is not appropriate for clients with nephrotic syndrome due to the increased protein loss in the urine.

D. Incorrect. Diuretics may be used to manage edema in nephrotic syndrome, but the priority intervention is to assess for infection, as it poses a more immediate threat to the client's health.

A. Incorrect. Elevated blood pressure and fluid overload are more indicative of fluid retention and hypertension in nephrotic syndrome, not hypoalbuminemia.

B. Correct. Hypoalbuminemia, a common feature of nephrotic syndrome, results from the loss of albumin (a protein) in the urine. Low albumin levels can lead to muscle weakness and fatigue due to decreased oncotic pressure in the blood vessels, resulting in fluid shifting from the blood vessels to the interstitial spaces.

C. Incorrect. Hyperactivity and restlessness are not typical manifestations of hypoalbuminemia and nephrotic syndrome.

D. Incorrect. Pallor and cold extremities are not directly related to hypoalbuminemia and are not specific to nephrotic syndrome.