A 6-year-old with a fractured femur is in Russell’s traction. Surgical intervention to correct the fracture is scheduled for the morning. Nursing actions should include which action?

Choice A reason:

Facial edema is a common clinical manifestation of nephrotic syndrome in children. This occurs due to the retention of fluid in the tissues, which is a result of the kidneys leaking protein into the urine (proteinuria). The loss of protein reduces the oncotic pressure in the blood vessels, leading to fluid accumulation in the interstitial spaces, particularly noticeable around the eyes and face.

Choice B Reason:

Cloudy smoky brown-colored urine is not typically associated with nephrotic syndrome. This symptom is more indicative of hematuria, which is the presence of blood in the urine. Hematuria is more commonly seen in conditions such as glomerulonephritis rather than nephrotic syndrome.

Choice C Reason:

Weight loss is not a characteristic symptom of nephrotic syndrome. In fact, children with nephrotic syndrome often experience weight gain due to fluid retention. The accumulation of fluid in the body can lead to an increase in weight, rather than a loss.

Choice D Reason:

Frothy appearing urine is a hallmark sign of nephrotic syndrome. The frothiness is due to the high levels of protein being excreted in the urine (proteinuria). When protein is present in the urine, it can cause the urine to appear foamy or frothy.

Choice A reason:

Performing an ultrasound to determine if there is urinary retention is not the immediate priority action. While an ultrasound can help assess urinary retention, the presence of edema, redness, and the foreskin being behind the glans penis suggests a condition known as paraphimosis. Paraphimosis is a medical emergency that requires prompt attention to prevent complications such as tissue damage. Therefore, alerting the ER physician is the priority action.

Choice B reason:

Asking the parents specifically how long the infant has not voided is important for gathering information, but it is not the immediate priority action. The clinical signs of edema, redness, and the foreskin being behind the glans penis indicate a potential emergency that requires immediate medical intervention. While obtaining a detailed history is important, the nurse should first alert the ER physician to ensure timely management.

Choice C reason:

Alerting the ER physician to the patient’s condition is the correct priority action. The presence of edema, redness, and the foreskin being behind the glans penis suggests paraphimosis, which is a urological emergency. Prompt intervention is necessary to reduce the foreskin and restore normal blood flow to prevent tissue damage3. The ER physician can provide the necessary treatment and management for this condition.

Choice D reason:

Continuing to monitor the patient in the ER setting is not appropriate without first addressing the potential emergency. The signs of edema, redness, and the foreskin being behind the glans penis indicate a condition that requires immediate medical attention. Monitoring alone is insufficient; the nurse must alert the ER physician to ensure prompt intervention.