Nephrotic syndrome
Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.
Renal / Urinary / Electrolyteshigh priorityneeds review
Nephrotic syndrome
Etiology / Pathophysiology
- Glomerular filtration barrier injury allows heavy protein loss in urine.
- Protein loss lowers oncotic pressure, causing edema, hyperlipidemia, and infection or clot risk.
Medications
| Class | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Corticosteroids | Common therapy for selected nephrotic causes, especially minimal change disease. |
Nursing actions
- Assess edema, daily weight, urine output, blood pressure, infection signs, and respiratory status if severe edema.
- Monitor urine protein, albumin, kidney function, and lipid findings as ordered.
- Teach low-sodium plan when ordered and infection prevention.
Complications
- Infection
- Thromboembolism
- AKI
- Severe edema or pulmonary edema
NCLEX cues
- Massive proteinuria, edema, low albumin, high lipids.
- Frothy urine and periorbital swelling.
Memory hooks
- Nephrotic leaks protein and swells.
Labs / Diagnostics
- Urinalysis protein
- Serum albumin
- Creatinine
- Lipids
- Daily weights
Review notes
- Supplemental wife-requested study card. Use for NCLEX review only and verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy.