Question

The nurse is assessing a hospitalized child diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome. What assessment(s) is most important for the nurse to complete to help identify hypoalbuminemia in this child?

a. The blood pressure and oxygen saturation
b. The heart and lung sounds
c. The respiratory rate and heart rate
d. The heart rate and blood pressure

Answer 1

To identify hypoalbuminemia in a child with nephrotic syndrome, the nurse should focus on assessing the child's blood pressure and heart rate since these can highlight the effects of reduced albumin and its impact on circulatory volume.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most important assessment(s) for a nurse to complete to help identify hypoalbuminemia in a child with nephrotic syndrome would be measurements of blood pressure and heart rate.

In nephrotic syndrome, there is significant protein loss in the urine leading to low serum albumin levels, which can cause fluid to shift from the blood vessels into the tissues, potentially resulting in hypovolemia and decreased blood pressure.

Additionally, heart rate may increase as a compensatory response to maintain cardiac output in the presence of reduced blood volume.