A nurse is collecting data from a child who has nephrotic syndrome. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?

Choice A reason: Polyuria is not typical in nephrotic syndrome, which causes oliguria due to fluid retention from hypoalbuminemia and reduced oncotic pressure. Proteinuria leads to edema, not excessive urination. Polyuria occurs in conditions like diabetes insipidus, making this an incorrect expected finding for nephrotic syndrome’s pathophysiology. Choice B reason: Periorbital edema is a hallmark of nephrotic syndrome, resulting from massive proteinuria and hypoalbuminemia, reducing plasma oncotic pressure. This causes fluid leakage into interstitial spaces, particularly around the eyes, due to loose tissue. It’s an expected finding, reflecting the disease’s impact on fluid balance in affected children. Choice C reason: Orange-tinged urine is not associated with nephrotic syndrome. Proteinuria causes foamy urine, but color changes suggest hematuria or bilirubinuria, seen in other conditions like glomerulonephritis. Edema from fluid retention is more characteristic, making orange-tinged urine an incorrect expected manifestation in this condition. Choice D reason: Hypertension may occur in nephrotic syndrome due to fluid overload or renin-angiotensin activation but is less common in minimal change disease, the most frequent pediatric form. Periorbital edema is a more consistent and early sign due to hypoalbuminemia, making it the primary expected manifestation over hypertension.