MEDizzy - A 4-year-old child has been admitted to the nursing unit

Feed Library Learning Discuss Leaderboard Journal

Pediatrics V

A 4-year-old child has been admitted to the nursing unit with a diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome. The symptoms include generalized edema with weight gain, hypoproteinemia, hyperlipidemia, hypotension, and decreased urine output. In developing a nursing care plan for this child, which nursing diagnosis would be highest priority?

ExplanationThe symptoms described all suggest fluid overload, which is characteristic of nephrotic syndrome. This must be corrected as quickly as possible to prevent further problems. The child probably already has altered nutrition rather than simply being at risk for it. However, fluid overload is a higher priority. The child is at risk for infection because of the hypoalbuminemia, but there is no evidence to support that the child already has an infection. The child may develop a disturbed body image related to edema. Again, there is no evidence to suggest that the child has a disturbed body image. Even if the child did, fluid volume excess would take priority.