How can the nurse obtain the most accurate information about a child's edema in acute glomerulonephritis?

Weighing the child daily is the most reliable method for obtaining accurate information about edema in acute glomerulonephritis. Daily weight measurements provide a quantitative assessment of fluid retention, which is a key aspect of edema. This approach allows the nurse to detect even small changes in weight that suggest fluctuations in fluid status, offering a clear indication of the child's response to treatment and the severity of the edema.

While observing body changes, measuring intake and output, and monitoring electrolyte values are also important components of managing acute glomerulonephritis, they may not provide specific information about the volume of fluid retention as effectively as daily weights do. Observing body changes may be subjective and can vary widely among children. Measuring intake and output primarily focuses on fluid balance but does not provide direct data on edema itself. Monitoring electrolyte values is crucial for assessing renal function and electrolyte imbalances, yet it does not directly indicate the presence or progression of edema. Therefore, daily weight measurements stand out as the most objective and informative method in this context.