The nurse is caring for a child with acute glomerulonephritis (AGN). Which clinical data should the nurse monitor to determine if the client is having a complication?
The nurse is caring for a child with acute glomerulonephritis (AGN). Which clinical data should the nurse monitor to determine if the client is having a complication?
A. white blood cell (WBC) count
[20%]
B. blood pressure
[43%]
C. capillary blood glucose (CBG)
[4%]
D. urine specific gravity (USG)
[33%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Child Health
Lesson
Urinary/Renal/Fluid and Electrolytes
Client Need
Test Plan
Reduction of Risk Potential
Related Topic
Potential for Alterations in Body Systems
Item Type
Item Type
Knowledge/Comprehension
Explanation
Choice B is correct. Monitoring the child's blood pressure is key in preventing the client from developing hypertensive encephalopathy. This is a significant complication associated with AGN and features the client having hypertension, headache, dizziness, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort.
Choice A is incorrect. The WBC count is often elevated with AGN because of the inflammation. This is not clinical data indicating that the client is developing a complication.
Choice C is incorrect. The capillary blood glucose (CBG) is not routinely monitored in AGN. Any alteration in CBG would not reflect the complication of hypertensive encephalopathy.
Choice D is incorrect. USG is not routinely monitored with AGN. While alterations in the urine characteristics are found with AGN, the increased USG would not cue the nurse that the client may be developing hypertensive encephalopathy.
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2 Key Topics
Glomerulonephritis
21.4 Glomerular & Nephrotic Disorders
Additional Info
✓ AGN is a serious condition secondary to many infectious processes such as streptococcal infections, mononucleosis, and hepatitis.
✓ Nursing care aims to prevent the most common complications, including fluid volume overload and hepatic encephalopathy.
✓ The client may have dietary restrictions such as fluid, sodium, and potassium.
✓ Daily weights are necessary to determine the client's volume status and should be obtained in the morning after the first void using the same scale while the client is wearing the same clothing.
✓ Daily weights are more reliable for determining fluid volume status than intake and output.
