A nurse is assessing a client with nephrotic syndrome for signs of hypoalbuminemia. What clinical manifestation should the nurse expect to observe?

A. Incorrect. Monitoring lipid levels is not primarily aimed at identifying liver dysfunction in clients with nephrotic syndrome.

B. Incorrect. While nephrotic syndrome can lead to secondary diabetes mellitus in some cases, monitoring lipid levels is not a direct indicator of diabetes.

C. Correct. Nephrotic syndrome is associated with increased levels of lipids, including cholesterol and triglycerides, in the blood (hyperlipidemiA. . Monitoring lipid levels helps detect this common complication of nephrotic syndrome and informs treatment decisions.

D. Incorrect. Monitoring lipid levels is not directly related to evaluating electrolyte imbalances in clients with nephrotic syndrome. Electrolyte imbalances are typically assessed through separate blood tests.

QUESTIONS

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.