Final answer:
Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by proteinuria, swelling (edema), low serum albumin, and high cholesterol levels, with close monitoring required to prevent serious complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
A common characteristic associated with nephrotic syndrome is proteinuria, which is the presence of a large amount of protein in the urine due to damage to the glomerulus within the kidney. In addition to proteinuria, nephrotic syndrome is frequently accompanied by swelling (edema), particularly around the eyes, feet, and ankles, low serum albumin levels, and high cholesterol levels. It is important to closely monitor and manage these symptoms to prevent complications such as infection, vascular problems like renal vein thrombosis, and potential progression to kidney failure.