Final answer:
An effective use of prednisone in nephrotic syndrome can be indicated by a decrease in proteinuria and an increase in serum albumin levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
In nephrotic syndrome, an effective use of prednisone can be indicated by a decrease in proteinuria and an increase in serum albumin levels.
Proteinuria is the presence of excess protein in the urine and is a characteristic feature of nephrotic syndrome. Prednisone, a corticosteroid, can help decrease proteinuria by reducing the inflammation and damage to the glomerulus, thereby preventing the leakage of protein into the urine. Moreover, prednisone can also increase serum albumin levels, which are typically low in nephrotic syndrome, by suppressing the immune response and reducing inflammation.
Therefore, if a child with nephrotic syndrome shows a decrease in proteinuria and an increase in serum albumin levels after taking prednisone, it can suggest the effective use of the medication.