A nurse is caring for a school-age child in the pediatric unit.
Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices below to specify what condition the client is most likely experiencing, 2 actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and 2 parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client's progress.
The Correct Answer is []
- Nephrotic Syndrome: The child presents with periorbital and abdominal edema, foamy dark-colored urine, significant proteinuria (24 mg/dL), hypoalbuminemia (1.4 g/dL), and hyperlipidemia (cholesterol 465 mg/dL), all of which are classic indicators of nephrotic syndrome. The elevated ESR and low sodium further support an inflammatory renal process with fluid retention.
- Chronic Kidney Disease: CKD is a long-term progressive decline in kidney function. This child shows acute findings with severe proteinuria and low albumin, consistent with nephrotic syndrome, not CKD.
- Acute Glomerulonephritis: Usually presents with hematuria (cola-colored urine), hypertension, and mild proteinuria. This client has severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and edema, which are more typical of nephrotic syndrome.
- Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome: Commonly follows a gastrointestinal illness and includes anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury. This child’s platelets are elevated, not low, and there's no history of diarrheal illness, making HUS unlikely.
- Encourage a low sodium diet: Sodium restriction helps manage fluid retention and edema which are key concerns in nephrotic syndrome. It also prevents worsening of ascites and periorbital swelling.
- Administer oral corticosteroids: This is the first-line treatment for idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, especially in children. Corticosteroids reduce glomerular permeability, limiting protein loss in the urine and promoting remission.
- Initiate peritoneal dialysis: Dialysis is only indicated in severe renal failure, which this child does not have. There’s no indication of uremia or electrolyte crisis, so dialysis is not appropriate at this stage.
- Intake and output: Essential for assessing fluid balance. Children with nephrotic syndrome may retain fluid or have decreased urine output, making I&O a crucial measure.
- Daily weight: This is the most accurate way to track fluid retention or loss. Daily weight is important for evaluating response to treatment, especially as edema resolves.
- Head circumference: This is monitored in infants and toddlers, especially to assess for hydrocephalus or growth delays. It is not relevant for a school-age child with kidney issues.
- HbA1C: A measure of long-term blood glucose control, used for diagnosing and managing diabetes. Has no relevance in the diagnosis or management of nephrotic syndrome.
- Urine specific gravity: While useful in initial diagnosis (and already elevated), it is not the best indicator of ongoing progress. Daily weight and I&O are more practical and reliable for assessing edema and treatment response.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Vital signs. The client has a significantly elevated heart rate (110/min) and elevated blood pressure (178/82 mm Hg), both of which can be associated with autonomic responses in dumping syndrome. The dizziness and desire to lie down after eating are also classic symptoms. These signs reflect the body’s reaction to rapid gastric emptying and fluid shifts.
B. Prescribed diet. While a bland, soft diet is generally safe post-gastrectomy, it may not prevent dumping syndrome unless it includes specific modifications like low carbohydrate intake and small, frequent meals. However, this option alone does not directly indicate dumping syndrome.
C. Skin appearance. The client is noted to be diaphoretic and pale, which are common symptoms of dumping syndrome due to the vasomotor response and hypoglycemia that can follow rapid gastric emptying.
D. Blood glucose level. The client's fasting blood glucose dropped to 65 mg/dL, which is below the normal range. Hypoglycemia is a hallmark of late dumping syndrome, resulting from excessive insulin release after rapid carbohydrate absorption in the small intestine.
E. WBC count. The WBC count is within normal range (9,000/mm³) and does not indicate dumping syndrome or an infectious process. It is not relevant in this context.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Assess the client's peripheral pulses every 15 min. Frequent assessment of peripheral pulses, especially in the affected extremity, is essential to monitor for signs of arterial occlusion, hematoma, or compromised circulation following a femoral catheterization.
B. Change the client's dressing 4 hr following the procedure. The initial pressure dressing should not be disturbed unless there are signs of bleeding or saturation. Routine dressing changes this soon can disrupt the clotting process at the insertion site.
C. Instruct the client to flex the right knee every 30 min. The client should keep the affected leg straight to prevent disrupting the insertion site. Flexing the knee can increase the risk of bleeding and compromise the integrity of the puncture site.
D. Elevate the head of the client's bed to 45°. Elevating the head of the bed too high can increase abdominal pressure on the femoral site, risking bleeding. The bed should be kept no higher than 30° to reduce stress on the insertion area.
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