PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Patients with nephrotic syndrome often experience which of the following symptoms?

1. Hypertension

2. Edema

3. Hematuria

4. Proteinuria with red blood cells

The correct answer is: Edema

Patients with nephrotic syndrome commonly experience edema as a prominent symptom. This condition is characterized by significant protein loss through the kidneys, leading to hypoalbuminemia, which reduces the oncotic pressure within the vascular system. Consequently, fluids leak out into the interstitial spaces resulting in swelling, particularly noticeable in the legs, abdomen, and around the eyes. While other symptoms can occur in various renal conditions, they are not hallmark features of nephrotic syndrome. Elevated blood pressure, or hypertension, can sometimes develop due to volume overload but is not a defining characteristic of nephrotic syndrome. Hematuria, or blood in the urine, is more commonly associated with nephritic syndrome rather than nephrotic syndrome. Lastly, proteinuria is a key feature of nephrotic syndrome, but the presence of red blood cells in the urine is atypical and generally suggests a different underlying issue. Hence, edema stands out as the classic symptom that signifies this syndrome.