Final answer:
A nurse should expect low serum albumin and high cholesterol levels in a child with suspected nephrotic syndrome, due to the loss of protein in the urine caused by damage to the glomeruli.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the case of a child with suspected nephrotic syndrome, the nurse should expect various characteristic laboratory values. Nephrotic syndrome involves damage to the glomeruli resulting in a high amount of protein, like albumin, being lost in the urine. This condition is accompanied by several common features including swelling, low serum albumin, and high cholesterol levels.
So, for the given options, the nurse should expect:
An elevated level of protein in the urine, due to damage in the glomeruli allowing protein to leak into the filtrate and be excreted in the urine.
A decrease in serum albumin levels, because the protein is being lost through the urine rather than staying in the bloodstream.
Increase in cholesterol levels, which often accompany the reduction in serum albumin.
Therefore, the correct option is A. Elevated serum albumin levels. Laboratory tests may also reveal other indicators of kidney function, such as elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels; however, changes in BUN are not specific to nephrotic syndrome and may indicate various types of kidney dysfunction.