GENITO-URINARY SYSTEM DISORDERS - NEPHROTIC SYNDROME

A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome who presents with edema, proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperlipidemia. What is the priority nursing intervention for this client? A. Assess for signs of infection and initiate appropriate treatment. B. Monitor blood glucose levels to detect potential hyperglycemia. C. Provide dietary education to increase protein intake. D. Administer diuretics to manage edema. Explanation A. Correct. Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by increased protein loss in the urine, leading to hypoalbuminemia and a weakened immune system. Clients with nephrotic syndrome are at a higher risk of infection, so the priority nursing intervention is to assess for signs of infection and initiate appropriate treatment promptly. B. Incorrect. While monitoring blood glucose levels is essential in some conditions, it is not the priority for a client with nephrotic syndrome. C. Incorrect. Dietary education may be necessary, but increasing protein intake is not appropriate for clients with nephrotic syndrome due to the increased protein loss in the urine. D. Incorrect. Diuretics may be used to manage edema in nephrotic syndrome, but the priority intervention is to assess for infection, as it poses a more immediate threat to the client's health.