Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

In the care of a child with acute glomerulonephritis, what monitoring action should the nurse prioritize?

1. Daily weight measurements

2. Monitoring blood pressure every 4 hours

3. Checking blood glucose levels

4. Assessing renal function tests

The correct answer is: Monitoring blood pressure every 4 hours

In managing a child with acute glomerulonephritis, monitoring blood pressure is particularly critical due to the risk of hypertension associated with this condition. Acute glomerulonephritis can lead to fluid retention and increased vascular volume, which may elevate blood pressure significantly. Regular monitoring every 4 hours helps in early detection of hypertension that may require intervention to prevent complications such as heart failure or stroke. While daily weight measurements, renal function tests, and checking blood glucose levels are also important aspects of care, they don't hold the same immediate priority in the context of acute changes related to glomerulonephritis. Daily weights help assess fluid balance, renal function tests evaluate the kidneys' ability to filter waste, and blood glucose monitoring is crucial for diabetic patients, but in the acute phase, immediate changes in blood pressure can directly impact the child's immediate health status. Thus, prioritizing blood pressure monitoring allows for timely responses to changes that could lead to serious complications.