The nurse is caring for a child admitted with nephrotic syndrome. Which of the following lab findings are characteristic of this syndrome? Select all that apply.

Choice A rationale Increased intracranial pressure is not a characteristic lab finding in nephrotic syndrome. This syndrome is a kidney disorder characterized by significant proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperlipidemia. Intracranial pressure is a neurological finding and is not directly related to the pathophysiology of nephrotic syndrome. Choice B rationale Hypoalbuminemia is a characteristic finding in nephrotic syndrome. The significant loss of protein, specifically albumin, through the damaged glomeruli in the kidneys leads to a low serum albumin level (normal is 3.5 to 5.5 g/dL). This decreased plasma oncotic pressure is responsible for the massive edema seen in these patients. Choice C rationale Proteinuria is a defining feature of nephrotic syndrome. The glomerular basement membrane becomes highly permeable to plasma proteins, allowing large amounts of protein, primarily albumin, to leak into the urine. This is a key diagnostic criterion, typically exceeding 3.5 grams per 24 hours. Choice D rationale Glucosuria is not a characteristic lab finding of nephrotic syndrome. Glucosuria is the presence of glucose in the urine, which is a hallmark of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. While kidney function is affected in nephrotic syndrome, it does not typically lead to glucose leaking into the urine. Choice E rationale Hyperlipidemia is a characteristic finding in nephrotic syndrome. The liver compensates for the loss of albumin by increasing the synthesis of lipoproteins, leading to elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. This is a secondary effect of the severe hypoalbuminemia. Choice F rationale An elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a non-specific indicator of inflammation. While it may be elevated in nephrotic syndrome due to the underlying inflammatory process, it is not a specific or characteristic lab finding that defines the syndrome itself, unlike proteinuria or hypoalbuminemia.