Word parts
What it means
A group of problems that happen when the glomeruli, the kidney's filters, become leaky to protein. The body loses large amounts of albuminal-BYOO-minThe main protein in blood plasma, made by the liver, which holds fluid inside the blood vessels and carries drugs and hormones.Full entry in the urine, the blood albumin level falls, fluid shifts into the tissues causing swelling, and blood fats rise. In children it is most often caused by minimal change disease, which usually responds to corticosteroids. In adults it can come from diabetes, lupus and other kidney diseases.
For the nurse
Weigh the client daily, measure intake and output and abdominal girth, and test urine for protein as ordered. Protect swollen skin from breakdown, and watch for infection, since clients lose antibodies in the urine and often take steroids.
Easy to confuse with
nephritis
Inflammation of the kidneys.