The parents of a child with acute glomerulonephritis are describing to the practical nurse (PN) what originally motivated them to seek medical care. Which sign is the child most likely to have exhibited?

Rationale: A. Hematuria: Hematuria, often described by parents as cola- or tea-colored urine, is the hallmark sign of acute glomerulonephritis. It results from glomerular inflammation that allows red blood cells to leak into the urine. This visible change in urine color commonly prompts parents to seek medical attention. B. Polydipsia: Increased thirst is more typical of diabetes mellitus or diabetes insipidus, not glomerulonephritis. Children with glomerulonephritis usually experience fluid retention rather than excessive thirst due to reduced kidney filtration and sodium retention. C. A sore throat: A sore throat often precedes acute glomerulonephritis because the infection is commonly caused by group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus. However, by the time glomerulonephritis develops, the sore throat has usually resolved, so it is not the primary reason parents seek care. D. Weight loss: Weight loss is not typical of acute glomerulonephritis; instead, children often present with weight gain from fluid retention. The sudden presence of dark urine and swelling are more likely to alert parents to a kidney problem.