When caring for a child with glomerulonephritis, what key assessments should the nurse prioritize? (Select All that Apply.)

A. Fever and chills are more indicative of infection, not Hirschsprung’s disease.
B. Severe constipation (along with abdominal distention and failure to pass meconium in newborns) is a hallmark sign of Hirschsprung’s disease due to the absence of ganglion cells in parts of the intestine, causing functional obstruction.
C. Jaundice and steatorrhea are associated with liver or biliary disorders, not Hirschsprung’s disease.
D. Muscle weakness is not a characteristic symptom of Hirschsprung’s disease.

A. Assessing joint mobility is not a priority for glomerulonephritis. This condition primarily affects the kidneys, not the musculoskeletal system.
B. Checking visual acuity is not a key assessment in glomerulonephritis, though periorbital edema may cause puffiness around the eyes, vision itself is not the focus of concern.
C. Monitoring vital signs and neurological status is crucial. Hypertension is a common complication of glomerulonephritis due to sodium and fluid retention. Severe hypertension can also cause neurological changes such as headache, irritability, or seizures, so frequent assessments are necessary.
D. Assessing urine volume and character is a priority. Children may have hematuria (cola- or tea-colored urine), proteinuria, or oliguria. Monitoring urine helps determine kidney function and progression of the disease.
E. Measuring blood glucose levels is not directly related to glomerulonephritis unless the child has a concurrent diagnosis such as diabetes mellitus.
F. Evaluating the child’s tolerance of diet is important. With oliguria, there may be a need for fluid, sodium, or potassium restrictions to prevent worsening fluid overload or electrolyte imbalances. The nurse should ensure the child’s nutritional needs are met within prescribed limits.
G. Daily weights using the same scale, at the same time each day, in similar clothing, provide the most accurate measure of fluid balance. Even small weight changes can indicate significant fluid retention, which is more sensitive than intake and output measurements alone.