NCLEX® QOTD: Nephrotic syndrome
Published on Sep 27, 2023. Updated on Oct 24, 2023.
The nurse reviews the laboratory results of a client who is suspected of having nephrotic syndrome. Which result(s) should the nurse associate with the condition?
Laboratory Test Results Hemoglobin- 16.5 g/dL Hematocrit- 48% Serum albumin - 1.8 g/dL Prothrombin time (PT)- 16 seconds Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)- 48 seconds International normalized ratio (INR)- 1.9 |
The correct answer to today's NCLEX-RN® Question is...
Laboratory Test Results Hemoglobin- 16.5 g/dL Hematocrit- 48% Serum albumin - 1.8 g/dL Prothrombin time (PT)- 16 seconds Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)- 48 seconds International normalized ratio (INR)- 1.9 |
Major Takeaway
The diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome starts with the client’s history and physical assessment. A 24-hour urine collection shows severe proteinuria, with more than 3.5 g/dL protein in a 24-hour urine sample. Clients also have serum albumin levels below 3 g/dL as well as hyperlipidemia. There are also abnormalities in the coagulation panel, such as an increased prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and international normalized ratio (INR). Creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) are also usually increased, and the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is decreased. A kidney biopsy can be done to establish the cause of nephrotic syndrome.
Laboratory Test | Normal Range |
Hemoglobin | 14.0-18.0 g/dL |
Hematocrit | 40-54% |
Serum albumin | 3.5-5.0 g/dL |
Prothrombin time (PT) | 9-12 seconds |
Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) | 25-40 seconds |
International normalized ratio (INR) | 0.9-1.1 |
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