Albumin 25% IV is prescribed for a child with nephrotic syndrome. Which assessment finding indicates to the nurse that the medication is having the desired effect?

Choice A rationale Reduction of fever is not the primary goal of albumin therapy. Albumin's role in nephrotic syndrome is to manage severe edema, not to reduce fever, which might be managed by antipyretics if present. Choice B rationale Weight gain is typically undesirable in nephrotic syndrome patients due to fluid retention and edema. Albumin therapy aims to reduce edema, potentially decreasing weight as fluid balance improves. Choice C rationale Albumin infusion helps reduce edema by increasing plasma oncotic pressure, drawing fluid back into the vascular system. A reduction in edema indicates the therapy’s effectiveness in managing nephrotic syndrome symptoms. Choice D rationale Improved caloric intake is not directly affected by albumin infusion. While managing edema might improve overall well-being, albumin’s primary function in this context is fluid balance and reducing swelling.