A nurse is caring for a toddler who received radiation therapy 2 years ago for a brain tumor. Which of the following should the nurse identify as a late adverse effect of the radiation therapy?

A. Mild hematuria. One of the hallmark signs of glomerulonephritis is hematuria (presence of blood in the urine). Mild hematuria is common and is often associated with glomerular injury, which allows red blood cells to pass through the glomerular filtration barrier.

B. Hyponatremia. Hyponatremia (low sodium levels) is not typically associated with glomerulonephritis. However, in severe cases of kidney dysfunction, fluid retention can lead to dilutional hyponatremia, but it is not a primary finding in glomerulonephritis.

C. Absent urine protein. Proteinuria (presence of protein in the urine) is a common finding in glomerulonephritis due to damage to the glomerular filtration barrier. It is typically present, though the amount may vary.

D. Decreased blood potassium. Hyperkalemia (increased potassium levels) is more commonly seen in acute kidney injury and glomerulonephritis due to decreased kidney function. Decreased potassium levels are not typical in this condition.

Bacterial Meningitis (Most Likely Diagnosis). Headache, nausea, irritability, lethargy, nuchal rigidity → Signs of meningeal irritation Petechiae → Possible meningococcal sepsis. Fever, chills, elevated WBC count (14,000/mm³) → Indicates an infection. Irregular respirations, agitation, capillary refill 4 seconds → Signs of worsening perfusion, possible sepsis

Hodgkin Lymphoma (Possible but Less Likely). Enlarged lymph nodes → Common in lymphoma but does not explain acute symptoms like fever, petechiae, or neurologic signs.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) (Possible but Less Likely). Petechiae → Possible due to thrombocytopenia, but child’s platelet count (350,000) is normal.. Enlarged lymph nodes → Can occur in leukemia but is not the primary concern given the acute symptoms.