Final answer:
The temperature of a child with minimal change nephrotic syndrome is monitored to detect an infection early, which is a common complication due to the loss of protective proteins through the kidneys. a. Infection
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse closely monitors the temperature of a child with minimal change nephrotic syndrome to detect early signs of an infection. Nephrotic syndrome results from glomerular damage, allowing proteins to escape into the urine, leading to symptoms like swelling, low serum albumin, and high cholesterol. Infections are a serious risk due to the reduced levels of protective proteins such as antibodies in the blood, as protein loss through the kidneys can compromise the immune system's ability to fight off pathogens.
Other potential complications of nephrotic syndrome include renal vein thrombosis and hypertension. Yet, the need for vigilance in temperature monitoring particularly pertains to infection risk. A fever may be one of the first signs of an infection in a child with minimal change nephrotic syndrome, therefore, temperature assessments are a critical part of patient monitoring.
Should an infection occur, it could exacerbate the child's condition, causing further kidney damage or leading to systemic effects, making prompt detection and treatment essential to prevent serious outcomes such as sepsis. Consequently, the most correct answer to the student's question is a. Infection.