A nurse is caring for a 2-year-old child who has been diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome. The nurse collects data knowing that a common characteristic associated with nephrotic syndrome is:

Choice A rationale Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is not typically associated with nephrotic syndrome. In fact, some patients with nephrotic syndrome may experience high blood pressure. Choice B rationale Generalized edema, or swelling, is a common characteristic of nephrotic syndrome. It occurs due to the loss of proteins in the urine, which leads to a decrease in the amount of protein in the blood. This decrease in blood protein levels causes fluid to move from the blood vessels into the tissues, leading to swelling. Choice C rationale Increased urinary output is not typically associated with nephrotic syndrome. In fact, some patients may experience decreased urine output. Choice D rationale Bright red blood in the urine is not a typical symptom of nephrotic syndrome. Hematuria, or blood in the urine, when present in nephrotic syndrome, is usually microscopic and not visible to the naked eye.