A nurse is planning care for a child who is in the acute stage of nephrotic syndrome. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Explanation & Rationale
The correct answer is Choice A.Choice A rationaleWeighing the child once per day is crucial in the acute stage of nephrotic syndrome to monitor fluid retention and the effectiveness of treatment. Daily weight monitoring helps in assessing the child’s fluid balance and detecting any sudden weight gain, which could indicate worsening edema.Choice B rationaleIncreasing fluid intake to 2 L/day is not recommended for a child in the acute stage of nephrotic syndrome. This condition is characterized by significant protein loss leading to edema, and increasing fluid intake would exacerbate the problem. Fluid restriction is often necessary to manage edema.Choice C rationalePositioning the child supine at bedtime is not beneficial for managing nephrotic syndrome. Elevating the child’s head and legs can help reduce edema, while supine positioning might worsen it by allowing fluid to accumulate in dependent areas.Choice D rationaleLimiting calorie intake to 45 cal/kg/day is not appropriate for a child with nephrotic syndrome. Adequate nutrition is essential for healing and recovery, and restricting calories could be harmful. The focus should be on providing a balanced diet to support the child’s overall health.