A client with nephrotic syndrome reports experiencing generalized edema. What is the underlying pathophysiological reason for the client's edema?
Increased renal blood flow and fluid overload.
Excessive sodium excretion and dehydration.
Decreased glomerular filtration and protein loss.
Elevated blood pressure and vascular leakage.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Incorrect. Increased renal blood flow and fluid overload would lead to excessive urine output and reduced edema, which is not consistent with nephrotic syndrome.
B. Incorrect. Excessive sodium excretion and dehydration would lead to reduced fluid retention and edema, which is not consistent with nephrotic syndrome.
C. Correct. Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by glomerular damage, leading to increased permeability of the glomerular capillaries and loss of protein (mainly albumin) in the urine. This results in decreased oncotic pressure in the blood vessels, leading to edema in various parts of the body.
D. Incorrect. Elevated blood pressure and vascular leakage would lead to a different set of clinical manifestations, not characteristic of nephrotic syndrome.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Incorrect. Decreased serum albumin levels may contribute to fluid overload and hypertension in nephrotic syndrome, but they are not the primary indicators of these complications.
B. Incorrect. A decreased serum albumin level alone does not confirm the presence of proteinuria, which requires additional tests, such as a 24-hour urine collection for protein quantification.
C. Incorrect. Decreased serum albumin levels are not directly related to the presence of renal vein thrombosis, although nephrotic syndrome can increase the risk of thromboembolic events.
D. Correct. In nephrotic syndrome, the glomerular damage results in significant proteinuria, leading to decreased serum albumin levels. The loss of albumin in the urine contributes to hypoalbuminemia, a hallmark feature of nephrotic syndrome.
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