Final answer:
Nurses monitor the temperature of children with minimal change nephrotic syndrome to detect signs of infection, like sepsis, or other kidney-related complications early.
Step-by-step explanation:
Possible Complications of Minimal Change Nephrotic Syndrome
The nurse monitors the temperature of a child with minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) to detect early signs of potential complications. One serious complication that increased temperature can indicate is infection, such as sepsis. Sepsis is a systemic response to infection and can be life-threatening, especially in patients with kidney conditions where their immune response may be compromised. Additionally, temperature monitoring may help in the early detection of other complications related to the kidneys, such as vascular problems or worsening renal function.
In MCNS, the glomerulus is damaged, allowing a large amount of protein to escape into the urine. This protein loss can lead to swelling, low serum albumin, and high cholesterol. Close monitoring of a patient's temperature can provide critical information to healthcare providers so they can respond swiftly to prevent any complications such as infections or thrombosis. Moreover, due to the increased risk of infection in MCNS, any fever or rise in temperature could signify an underlying process that needs immediate attention.