Word parts
What it means
The kidney's filters become inflamed and leaky, so blood and protein pass into the urine and the kidneys hold on to salt and water. In children it most often follows a strep throat or skin infection by one to three weeks (poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis). Typical findings are dark tea- or cola-colored urine, puffiness around the eyes, less urine and high blood pressure. Most children recover fully.
For the nurse
Check blood pressure often, weigh daily, and measure intake and output. Expect sodium and fluid limits while there is swelling and high blood pressure, and plan quiet activities while the child feels unwell.
Related terms
edema
Swelling caused by extra fluid trapped in the body's tissues.
hypertension
Blood pressure that stays higher than normal, at or above 130/80 mm Hg by current US guidelines.
-itis
A word ending that means inflammation.
renal
Relating to the kidneys.
glomerulonephritis
Inflammation of the glomeruli, the tiny filtering units of the kidneys.