A nurse is reviewing a client's laboratory results and notes a decreased serum albumin level. What is the significance of decreased serum albumin in diagnosing nephrotic syndrome?

A. Incorrect. Elevated platelet count and clotting factors are not characteristic of nephrotic syndrome. Clients with nephrotic syndrome tend to have normal platelet counts.

B. Incorrect. Decreased blood viscosity and enhanced blood flow would not directly lead to an increased risk of thromboembolic events in nephrotic syndrome.

C. Incorrect. While impaired liver function may impact clotting factors, it is not a common manifestation of nephrotic syndrome.

D. Correct. Nephrotic syndrome is associated with a loss of anticoagulant proteins, particularly antithrombin III, in the urine. This loss of anticoagulant proteins contributes to a state of hypercoagulability, increasing the risk of thromboembolic events, such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

A. Correct. ACE inhibitors are commonly prescribed in nephrotic syndrome to reduce proteinuria by dilating blood vessels and decreasing pressure in the glomerulus. This helps preserve kidney function and slow the progression of kidney damage.

B. Incorrect. ACE inhibitors are not primarily used to manage blood glucose levels in diabetes, although they may have some impact on blood pressure control in clients with both diabetes and nephrotic syndrome.

C. Incorrect. ACE inhibitors do not directly impact calcium absorption or bone health in nephrotic syndrome.

D. Incorrect. ACE inhibitors do not specifically increase potassium excretion. In fact, they may lead to potassium retention, so clients may need to be cautious about potassium intake while on ACE inhibitors.