After teaching a client with nephrotic syndrome and normal glomerular filtration, the nurse assesses the client's understanding. Which statement made by the client indicates a correct understanding of diet therapy for this condition?
“A decreased intake of carbohydrates will be required.”
"An increased intake of vitamin C is necessary.”
"I will increase my intake of protein."
"I must decrease my intake of fat.”
The Correct Answer is C
Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by massive proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and severe edema. The glomerular damage allows large amounts of plasma proteins to leak into the urine. For patients who still have a normal glomerular filtration rate (GFR), the dietary goal is to replace the lost proteins to maintain oncotic pressure and support cellular repair, while also managing the metabolic complications like hyperlipidemia and fluid retention.
Rationale:
A. Carbohydrate intake does not need to be decreased in nephrotic syndrome unless the patient has comorbid diabetes. In fact, adequate carbohydrate intake is necessary to provide energy and prevent the body from breaking down protein for fuel (the protein-sparing effect). The client’s focus should remain on protein and lipid management rather than simple carbohydrate restriction.
B. While vitamin C is important for general immune health and tissue repair, there is no specific scientific requirement for "increased" intake as a primary treatment for nephrotic syndrome. The condition is defined by protein loss and lipid derangement, not a vitamin deficiency. The dietary teaching must prioritize the macros that are directly affected by the glomerular leaking.
C. The client should increase protein intake if their GFR is normal to compensate for the massive amounts of albumin lost in the urine. High-quality protein helps rebuild serum protein levels, which is essential for maintaining oncotic pressure and reducing interstitial edema. This statement shows the client understands how to nutritionally offset the primary hallmark of their disease, which is proteinuria.
D. While hyperlipidemia occurs in nephrotic syndrome, the primary diet education for a patient with normal GFR and massive protein loss focuses on protein replacement. Decreasing fat is a secondary goal to manage high cholesterol levels, but it does not address the fundamental issue of hypoalbuminemia. The most direct and essential dietary intervention is the replenishment of protein stores.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E","F"]
Explanation
Chronic pancreatitisis a progressive inflammatory disorder characterized by the irreversible destruction of pancreatic parenchyma and its replacement with fibrotic tissue. This results in both exocrine and endocrine insufficiency. The loss of acinar cells leads to malabsorption, while the destruction of Islets of Langerhansresults in secondary diabetes mellitus. Clinical manifestations reflect the body’s inability to digest fats and regulate systemic glucose homeostasis.
Rationale:
A.Polyuriais expected in chronic pancreatitis due to the destruction of beta cells in the pancreas, leading to secondary diabetes mellitus. When insulin production fails, blood glucose rises, exceeding the renal threshold for reabsorption. This leads to osmotic diuresis, where the excess glucose in the urine pulls water with it, increasing the frequency and volume of urination.
B.Jaundiceoccurs in chronic pancreatitis when fibrotic changes or inflammation in the head of the pancreas compress the common bile duct. This mechanical obstruction prevents the flow of bile into the duodenum, causing conjugated bilirubinto back up into the bloodstream. This manifests as yellowing of the skin and sclera, indicating impaired biliary drainage due to pancreatic structural damage.
C.Weight gain is not expected; instead, weight loss is a hallmark of chronic pancreatitis. The loss of exocrine enzymes means the body cannot break down and absorb nutrients effectively. Combined with the metabolic demands of chronic inflammation and the onset of diabetes, patients typically present with significant malnutritionand unintentional weight loss over time.
D.Ascites is primarily a complication of liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension, rather than chronic pancreatitis. While pancreatic ascites can occur in rare cases of ductal rupture, it is not a standard finding. The primary pathological process in chronic pancreatitis involves parenchymal fibrosisand enzyme deficiency rather than the systemic venous congestion that typically produces peritoneal fluid accumulation.
E.Steatorrhea, or fatty, foul-smelling stools, is a classic finding resulting from exocrine insufficiency. Without adequate lipase secretion, the body cannot emulsify and absorb dietary lipids. The undigested fat remains in the intestinal lumen, leading to stools that are voluminous, greasy, and difficult to flush. This signifies a total breakdown of the digestive functionof the pancreas.
F.Polydipsia, or excessive thirst, is a direct consequence of the hyperglycemia-induced polyuria associated with pancreatic endocrine failure. As the patient loses large volumes of fluid through the kidneys, the thirst center in the hypothalamus is stimulated to prevent dehydration. This is a key symptom of the secondary diabetesthat develops as the Islets of Langerhans are destroyed.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Chronic kidney disease(CKD) involves the progressive loss of nephron function, leading to impaired fluid homeostasisand electrolyte regulation. Patients often experience sodium and water retention, which manifests as hypertension and systemic edema. Precise monitoring of hemodynamic parametersand weight is essential to detect fluid overload early and prevent acute complications such as pulmonary edema or heart failure.
Rationale:
A.Maintaining a consistent sleep and meal schedule is beneficial for general health and circadian rhythm regulation. However, it does not provide specific clinical data regarding the progression of renal dysfunction or fluid status. For a kidney disease patient, metabolic and fluid stability takes priority over the timing of daily routines during discharge education.
B.The nurse teaches the client to weigh themselves and take their blood pressure because these are the most sensitive indicators of fluid volume excess. Sudden weight gain (e.g., 2 pounds in 24 hours) often signifies fluid retention rather than tissue mass. Monitoring blood pressure is vital as the kidneys regulate systemic vascular resistance and fluid volume, and uncontrolled hypertension further accelerates renal damage.
C.Instructing a kidney disease patient to drink 2 L of fluid and urinate at specific times can be dangerous. Many renal patients are on strict fluid restrictionsto prevent circulatory overload. Fixed fluid intake goals must be individualized based on the stage of kidney failure and current glomerular filtration rate to avoid life-threatening hypervolemia.
D.While urine dipsticks can check for proteinuria and blood sugar monitoring is vital for diabetic nephropathy, they are not the universal priority for all kidney disease patients. Blood pressure and weight provide more immediate, actionable data regarding cardiovascular stability and fluid balance. These parameters are the standard requirements for self-management to prevent emergency readmissions.
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