Question

A child has been diagnosed with nephritic syndrome. The nurse tells the mother that the child needs to be protected from infection. The mother asks why. The nurse explains the child is susceptible to infection because (Select all that apply) a. edema fluid is a good medium for bacterial growth. b. decreased blood proteins reduce the production of gamma globulin. c. the child is on a low-sodium diet. d. the child is lethargic.

Short answer

The child with nephritic syndrome is susceptible to infection because edema fluid is conducive to bacterial growth (a) and decreased blood proteins lead to reduced production of gamma globulin (b).

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Nephritic Syndrome

Understand that nephritic syndrome is a kidney disorder which causes the body to excrete too much protein in the urine. This can lead to low levels of protein in the blood (hypoalbuminemia), and consequently, edema (swelling). The kidneys may also be less efficient at helping the body fight off infection.

Evaluate Each Statement

Evaluate each answer choice in the context of nephritic syndrome and its implications on the immune response and susceptibility to infection. Edema fluid can indeed provide a medium for bacterial growth, and decreased protein levels can affect the immune system, including the production of antibodies such as gamma globulin.

Relate Diet and Symptoms to Infection Risk

Determine the relevance of a low-sodium diet and the child's lethargy to the risk of infection. The low-sodium diet is typically prescribed to manage edema but does not directly increase susceptibility to infection. Lethargy is a symptom of nephritic syndrome and while it can affect overall health, it doesn't specifically increase infection risk in the context provided.

Select All Correct Responses

Identify which statements are true in relation to the child's increased susceptibility to infection due to nephritic syndrome. Statements (a) 'edema fluid is a good medium for bacterial growth' and (b) 'decreased blood proteins reduce the production of gamma globulin' are correct as both provide a basis for increased risk of infection.

Key concepts

Immune Response in Kidney Disorders

Kidney disorders such as nephritic syndrome can significantly impact the body's immune response. The intricate filtration process in the kidneys is vital for maintaining the balance of proteins in the bloodstream, including those crucial for the immune system. In nephritic syndrome, the kidneys allow an abnormal amount of protein to escape into the urine, leading to hypoalbuminemia, or low blood protein levels.

Understanding Protein Loss: Proteins like albumin are important for maintaining blood volume and pressure. They also bind to and transport various substances, including medicines and hormones. However, another class of proteins, the immunoglobulins (antibodies), are essential for fighting infections. When the kidney's filtering ability is compromised, a reduction in immunoglobulin levels, specifically gamma globulin, weakens the immune response, making the body more prone to infections.

Edema's Role in Infection: Edema fluid, which accumulates because of the low protein levels, can create an environment conducive to bacterial growth. Bacteria thrive in these pooled fluids, leading to an increased risk of infection. This is why infection control is paramount in patients with nephritic syndrome. Measures in clinical practice often include rigorous hygiene protocols and sometimes prophylactic antibiotics.

In conclusion, nephritic syndrome's effect on the immune system is multifaceted, involving both the loss of protective proteins and the accumulation of bodily fluids that may harbor infectious agents.

Pediatric Nursing

Pediatric nursing is a specialized field that focuses on caring for infants, children, and adolescents. Providing nursing care to children with kidney disorders, such as nephritic syndrome, requires not only a thorough understanding of the condition but also an awareness of the unique needs and developmental stages of pediatric patients.

Family-Centered Care: In pediatrics, nurses often take a family-centered approach, recognizing the impact of a child’s illness on their family. When instructing parents about the susceptibility of their child to infections due to nephritic syndrome, pediatric nurses must communicate effectively, providing clear explanations and demonstrations on how to reduce infection risks.

Education and Support: Nurses need to educate the family on the importance of nutrition, good hygiene, and recognizing signs of infection in a child with nephritic syndrome. Support might include teaching the family how to manage a low-sodium diet for their child, while also providing emotional support to help cope with the stress of the illness.

Pediatric nurses play a crucial role in the interdisciplinary team aiming to improve health outcomes and enhance the quality of life for pediatric patients with conditions affecting their immune response.

NCLEX-RN Examination Preparation

Preparing for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is a crucial step for nursing students. This exam tests the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively practice nursing at the entry-level.

Focused Study on Pediatrics: For nursing students, understanding conditions like nephritic syndrome in children is essential. NCLEX-RN preparation includes studying pediatric conditions and the corresponding nursing interventions. This includes the immune response in kidney disorders and how to educate families about infection prevention.

Prioritization and Clinical Judgment: The NCLEX-RN exam will challenge students to use critical thinking to prioritize care. In the context of pediatric nursing, students must demonstrate their ability to weigh the severity of symptoms, plan appropriate interventions, and provide education on preventive care.

Practice Questions and Simulation: Students should engage with practice questions that mimic the style and format of the NCLEX exam. Simulations and clinical scenarios can greatly enhance their ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical situations. By incorporating cases like nephritic syndrome into study regimes, students strengthen their readiness for the pediatric nursing questions they may encounter on the NCLEX-RN.