A nurse is assessing a client with suspected nephrotic syndrome. Which finding should the nurse expect to observe?

A. Incorrect. While monitoring urine output and kidney function is important in nephrotic syndrome, it is not directly related to addressing skin breakdown.

B. Correct. Skin breakdown in clients with nephrotic syndrome can lead to an increased risk of infection. The nurse should assess the affected skin areas for signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, swelling, and drainage.

C. Incorrect. Providing pain medication may be necessary for managing discomfort, but the priority is to prevent infection and promote wound healing.

D. Incorrect. While reducing edema is important, it is not the immediate priority in managing skin breakdown and preventing infection.

A. Incorrect. Abdominal distension and discomfort are not typical manifestations of a urinary tract infection, even in the presence of proteinuria.

B. Correct. Nephrotic syndrome often results in hypoalbuminemia due to significant protein loss in the urine. Hypoalbuminemia leads to decreased oncotic pressure in the blood vessels, causing fluid to leak into the peritoneal cavity and resulting in abdominal distension and discomfort, known as ascites.

C. Incorrect. Hyperkalemia may occur in chronic kidney disease, including nephrotic syndrome, but it is not directly related to abdominal distension and discomfort.

D. Incorrect. Renal vein thrombosis is a complication of nephrotic syndrome but is not typically associated with acute abdominal distension and discomfort.