Nephrotic Syndrome Nursing Care Plans Diagnosis and InterventionsNephrotic Syndrome NCLEX Review and Nursing Care Plans Show
Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney condition that causes the person’s body to pass too much protein in the urine. This syndrome is usually caused by the damage that happens to the small blood vessels in the kidneys that filter waste and excess water from the person’s blood. Nephrotic syndrome causes swelling of the feet and ankles which increases the risk of having other health problems. A nephrotic syndrome happens when the kidneys aren’t working right. A nephrotic syndrome is a combination of nephrotic-range proteinuria with a decreased level of serum albumin and edema. Other indicators of nephrotic syndrome include increased cholesterol levels in the person’s blood, and sticky blood that can cause blood clots in the person’s legs and lungs. Signs and Symptoms of Nephrotic Syndrome
Causes of Nephrotic SyndromeA nephrotic syndrome is caused by damage to the glomeruli of the kidneys. The glomeruli filter the person’s blood that passes through the kidneys and separates what the body needs and what the body does not need. When the glomeruli are healthy it helps keep the blood protein that is needed to maintain the right amount of fluid in the body. When the glomeruli are damaged this will allow too much blood protein in the body which will lead to nephrotic syndrome. The primary causes of nephrotic syndrome may include:
Other diseases which cause a nephrotic syndrome that affect the person, which is called secondary causes of nephrotic syndrome, these diseases include:
Risk Factors to Nephrotic SyndromeFactors that increase the risk of a person having nephrotic syndrome include:
It is important to remember that if a person has one of these risk factors does not mean that the person will develop nephrotic syndrome. However, it is important to advise the patient to monitor his or her health and consult a physician if he or she is experiencing symptoms that are consistent with nephrotic syndrome. Complications of Nephrotic SyndromePossible complications of a person with nephrotic syndrome include:
To help in diagnosing nephrotic syndrome, the physician will first take the patient’s medical history. The patient will be asked about his or her symptoms, and any medications that he or she is taking and with present underlying conditions. The physician will perform a physical examination that includes blood pressure taking and auscultation of the heart. The following are the several tests used to diagnose nephrotic syndrome:
Treatment of Nephrotic SyndromeNephrotic syndrome treatment involves treating other medical conditions that may be a cause of the nephrotic syndrome. Nephrotic syndrome in some patients can go away completely after treatment and in others, it can be controlled with oral medications. The physician may also recommend medications and diet counseling to help the patient control the signs and symptoms and treat complications of nephrotic syndrome. Medications for nephrotic syndrome include:
Prevention of Nephrotic SyndromeThe patient may be instructed to reduce salt intake to decrease swelling and the patient may be instructed to eat foods low in saturated fats and cholesterol. Some causes of nephrotic syndrome cannot be prevented but the nurse may instruct the patient to take action to prevent the damage to the glomeruli by:
Nephrotic Syndrome Nursing DiagnosisNursing Care Plan for Nephrotic Syndrome 1Fatigue Nursing Diagnosis: Fatigue related to edema-related discomfort secondary to the nephrotic syndrome as evidenced by easy fatigability with any activity, extreme edema, and lethargy. Desired Outcomes:
Nursing Care Plan for Nephrotic Syndrome 2Deficient Knowledge Nursing Diagnosis: Deficient Knowledge related to the patient’s lack of exposure to information about the disease secondary to the nephrotic syndrome as evidenced by the patient’s verbalization about his or her need for information about the condition, drug administration, follow-up care, and procedures. Desired Outcomes:
Nursing Care Plan for Nephrotic Syndrome 3Risk for Infection Nursing Diagnosis: Risk for infection related to inadequate defenses of the body secondary to nephrotic syndrome. Desired Outcomes:
Nursing Care Plan for Nephrotic Syndrome 4Excess Fluid Volume Nursing Diagnosis: Excess fluid volume related to decreased kidney function and fluid accumulation secondary to the nephrotic syndrome as evidenced by pitting edema, decreased urine output, and edema of the mucous membrane. Desired Outcomes:
Nursing Care Plan for Nephrotic Syndrome 5Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements Nursing Diagnosis: Imbalanced Nutrition Less Than Body Requirements related to the inability to ingest and digest foods and nutrients secondary to the nephrotic syndrome as evidenced by anorexia and weight loss. Desired Outcomes:
Nursing ReferencesAckley, B. J., Ladwig, G. B., Makic, M. B., Martinez-Kratz, M. R., & Zanotti, M. (2020). Nursing diagnoses handbook: An evidence-based guide to planning care. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Buy on Amazon Gulanick, M., & Myers, J. L. (2022). Nursing care plans: Diagnoses, interventions, & outcomes. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Buy on Amazon Ignatavicius, D. D., Workman, M. L., Rebar, C. R., & Heimgartner, N. M. (2020). Medical-surgical nursing: Concepts for interprofessional collaborative care. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Buy on Amazon Silvestri, L. A. (2020). Saunders comprehensive review for the NCLEX-RN examination. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Buy on Amazon Disclaimer:Please follow your facilities guidelines, policies, and procedures. The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is intended to be nursing education and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. What is the diet for nephrotic syndrome?A low-sodium, low-fat, low-cholesterol diet is also recommended with nephrotic syndrome. Too much salt can cause edema; and high blood pressure. High amounts of fat should be avoided as cholesterol and triglyceride levels tend to be high in patients with nephrotic syndrome.
What can you teach a patient with nephrotic syndrome?Care for yourself at home. Cut down on salt. This can reduce the amount of water your body retains.. Follow your doctor's advice for the amounts of protein and potassium you need in your diet.. Having nephrotic syndrome increases your risk for infections like peritonitis or respiratory and skin infections.. What dietary components are restricted in patients who have nephrotic syndrome?The diet for a child with nephrotic syndrome may include salt (sodium) and fluid restriction. These restrictions in the diet may help to regulate your child's fluid balance. Any food that is liquid at room temperature counts as a fluid.
What is the management of nephrotic syndrome?Medications to control the immune system, such as corticosteroids, can decrease the inflammation that accompanies some of the conditions that can cause nephrotic syndrome. Medications include rituximab (Rituxan), cyclosporine and cyclophosphamide.
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