Nephrotic syndrome: a nursing care plan based on current pathophysiologic concepts.

The classic conception of the pathophysiology of the nephrotic syndrome (NS) is now being seriously questioned, on the basis of current research findings. New conceptions of the syndrome, with its proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and edema, are providing explanations for the discrepancies between the original theory and clinical data from individual patients, particularly related to edema formation. Many of the edema-preventing mechanisms are normal in patients with NS, but may fail when plasma osmotic pressure falls significantly. Plasma volumes, blood volumes, and blood pressures of patients with NS have been found to be generally normal or slightly increased, in contrast to the classic "hypovolemia" theory. Activation of the renin-angiotension-aldosterone system is variable and cannot fully explain the sodium and water retention. The decreased renal filtration rates and abnormal sodium retention/excretion rates are now best explained by an intrarenal defect, on the basis of multiple research approaches. These research conceptions of the pathophysiology of NS are significant for nurses because they can be used in patient assessment, interpretation of patient data, monitoring during treatment, collaboration about the plan of care, development of nursing care plans, and patient teaching. Several nursing diagnoses may be appropriate for patients with NS: alteration in fluid volume: excess; potential for infection; alteration in nutrition: less than body requirements, potential alteration in comfort; knowledge deficit; and potential disturbance in self-concept: body image.