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

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. 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.