What should a nurse expect as a common electrolyte imbalance in patients with nephrotic syndrome?

Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by significant proteinuria, leading to altered oncotic pressure and subsequently causing edema, as well as a variety of metabolic changes. One common electrolyte imbalance associated with nephrotic syndrome is hypokalemia, which refers to low potassium levels in the blood.

In nephrotic syndrome, the loss of protein through the urine can lead to alterations in kidney function, which may result in the body retaining sodium and losing potassium. This imbalance often occurs because of the body’s compensatory mechanisms in response to the loss of protein and the resulting effects on blood volume and pressure. Additionally, diuretic use, often administered to manage edema in these patients, can lead to further potassium loss, exacerbating hypokalemia.

Understanding the pathophysiology of nephrotic syndrome and the subsequent renal compensatory mechanisms helps to clarify why hypokalemia is frequently observed in affected individuals. In contrast, other potential options either do not reflect the common issues seen in nephrotic syndrome or are not as directly related to the metabolic disruptions caused by the disease.