Nephrotic syndrome is an alteration of kidney function caused by increased glomerular basement membrane permeability to plasma protein (albumin). Altered glomerular permeability result in characteristic symptoms of gross proteinuria, generalized edema (anasarca), hypoalbuminemia, oliguria, and increased serum lipid level (hyperlipidemia).
Nephrotic syndrome is classified either by etiology or the histologic changes in the glomerulus. Nephrotic syndrome is further classified into three forms: primary minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS), secondary nephrotic syndrome, and congenital nephrotic syndrome. The most common type of nephrotic syndrome is MCNS (idiopathic type) and it accounts for 80% of cases of nephrotic syndrome. MCNS can occur at any age but usually, the age of onset is during the preschool years. MCNS is also seen more in male children than in female children. Secondary nephrotic syndrome is often associated with secondary renal involvement from systemic diseases. Congenital nephrotic syndrome (CNS) is caused by a rare autosomal recessive gene which is localized on the long arm of chromosome 19. Currently, CNS has a better prognosis due to early management of protein deficiency, nutritional support, continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD), and renal transplantation. The prognosis for MCNS is usually good, but relapses are common, and most children respond to treatment.
Nursing Care Plans
Nursing care planning for a client with nephrotic syndrome include relief from edema, enhance nutritional status, conserve energy, supply sufficient information about the disease, importance of strict compliance with the medication and nutritional therapy, and absence of infection or prevention of a relapse.
Here are five (5) nursing care plans (NCP) and nursing diagnosis (NDx) for Nephrotic Syndrome:
- Excess Fluid Volume
- Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements
- Fatigue
- Deficient Knowledge
- Risk For Infection
Excess Fluid Volume
Nursing Diagnosis
May be related to
- Decreased kidney function
- Fluid accumulation
Possibly evidenced by
- Pitting edema
- Periorbital and facial puffiness in morning and dependent in the evening
- Abdominal ascites,
- Scrotal or labial edema
- Edema of mucous membranes of intestines
- Anasarca
- Slow weight gain
- Decreased urine output
- Altered electrolytes, sp. gr., BP, R
Desired Outcomes
- Child’s edema will be decreased.
- Child will achieve ideal body weight without excess fluids.
Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
---|---|
Weigh child daily; Utilize same weighing scale every day. | Daily body weight is a good indicator of hydration status. A weight gain of more than 0.5 kg/day suggests fluid retention. |
Strictly monitor and record intake and output. | Accurate measurement determines fluid balance. |
Determine potential sources of excess fluid (e.g., food, medications used) | Identification of other sources of excess fluid aids in the therapeutic regimen. |
Advised to limit fluid intake as ordered. | Amount of allowed fluid intake is determined based on child’s weight, urine output and response to treatment. |
Administer corticosteroid (e.g., prednisone) as prescribed. | Corticosteroid therapy continues until the urine is protein free and continues to be normal for 10 days to 2 weeks. A therapeutic response usually occurs in 1 to 3 weeks. |
Instruct parents to provide frequent oral hygiene. | Oral hygiene reduces dryness of mouth and mucous membranes. |
Teach parents on how to do dipstick urine testing and urine collection and instruct to keep a record of results. | Collecting and examining urine for protein shows the gravity of protein loss. |
Teach parents regarding kidney function and disease condition. | Knowing the disease condition enables the parents to follow through with the therapeutic regimen. |
Recommended Resources
Recommended nursing diagnosis and nursing care plan books and resources.
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- Nursing Care Plans: Nursing Diagnosis and Intervention (10th Edition)
An awesome book to help you create and customize effective nursing care plans. We highly recommend this book for its completeness and ease of use. - Nurse’s Pocket Guide: Diagnoses, Prioritized Interventions and Rationales
A quick-reference tool to easily select the appropriate nursing diagnosis to plan your patient’s care effectively. - NANDA International Nursing Diagnoses: Definitions & Classification, 2021-2023Â (12th Edition)
The official and definitive guide to nursing diagnoses as reviewed and approved by the NANDA-I. This book focuses on the nursing diagnostic labels, their defining characteristics, and risk factors – this does not include nursing interventions and rationales. - Nursing Diagnosis Handbook, 12th Edition Revised Reprint with 2021-2023 NANDA-I® Updates
Another great nursing care plan resource that is updated to include the recent NANDA-I updates. - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5(TM))
Useful for creating nursing care plans related to mental health and psychiatric nursing. - Ulrich & Canale’s Nursing Care Planning Guides, 8th Edition
Claims to have the most in-depth care plans of any nursing care planning book. Includes 31 detailed nursing diagnosis care plans and 63 disease/disorder care plans. - Maternal Newborn Nursing Care Plans (3rd Edition)
If you’re looking for specific care plans related to maternal and newborn nursing care, this book is for you. - Nursing Diagnosis Manual: Planning, Individualizing, and Documenting Client Care (7th Edition)
An easy-to-use nursing care plan book that is updated with the latest diagnosis from NANDA-I 2021-2023. - All-in-One Nursing Care Planning Resource: Medical-Surgical, Pediatric, Maternity, and Psychiatric-Mental Health (5th Edition)
Definitely an all-in-one resources for nursing care planning. It has over 100 care plans for different nursing topics.
See also
Other recommended site resources for this nursing care plan:
- Nursing Care Plans (NCP): Ultimate Guide and Database
Over 150+ nursing care plans for different diseases and conditions. Includes our easy-to-follow guide on how to create nursing care plans from scratch. - Nursing Diagnosis Guide and List: All You Need to Know to Master Diagnosing
Our comprehensive guide on how to create and write diagnostic labels. Includes detailed nursing care plan guides for common nursing diagnostic labels.
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