A child with acute glomerulonephritis is in the playroom, and experiences blurred vision and headache. Which of the following actions should be taken by the nurse?

Question

1. Check the urine to see if hematuria has increased.
2. Obtain a BP on the child; notify the physician.
3. Reassure the child, and encourage bedrest until the headache improves.
4. Obtain serum electrolytes, and send a urinalysis to the lab.

Answer 1

2
Rationale:
1. Blurred vision and headache could be signs of encephalopathy, a serious complication of acute glomerulonephritis. Delay in treatment to check urine for hematuria could mean lethargy and seizures.
2. Blurred vision and headache could be signs of encephalopathy, a complication of acute glomerulonephritis. A BP should be obtained, and the physician notified. The physician might decide to order an antihypertensive to bring down the BP.
3. This is a serious complication, and delay in treatment could mean lethargy and seizures. Reassurance and bedrest do not directly address the potential problem of encephalopathy.
4. Blurred vision and headache could be signs of encephalopathy, a serious complication of acute glomerulonephritis. Delay in treatment to check electrolytes and a urinalysis could mean lethargy and seizures.