The nurse is assessing a 6-year-old child with glomerulonephritis. Which finding should the nurse respond to first?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A reason: Periorbital edema is common in glomerulonephritis due to fluid retention from reduced glomerular filtration. While concerning, it is not immediately life-threatening compared to severe hypertension, which can cause organ damage, making this a lower-priority finding requiring monitoring but not urgent intervention. Choice B reason: A blood pressure of 142/90 in a 6-year-old indicates severe hypertension, a medical emergency in glomerulonephritis due to fluid overload and renal dysfunction. It risks organ damage (e.g., brain, heart), requiring immediate intervention to lower pressure, making this the highest-priority finding for the nurse to address. Choice C reason: Pain on urination suggests a urinary tract infection or irritation, not a primary feature of glomerulonephritis, which typically involves hematuria and proteinuria. While discomfort needs attention, it is less urgent than hypertension, which poses immediate risks, making this a lower-priority finding. Choice D reason: Amber-colored urine in glomerulonephritis reflects hematuria or concentrated urine due to reduced renal function. While indicative of the condition, it is not immediately life-threatening compared to severe hypertension, which can cause acute organ damage, making this a lower-priority finding for immediate response.