A 10-year-old boy is brought to the physician because of increasing swelling around his eyes for the past 3 days. During this period, he has had frothy light yellow urine. He had a sore throat 12 days ago. He appears tired. His temperature is 37.0°C (98.6°F), pulse is 90/min, and blood pressure is 105/65 mm Hg. Examination shows periorbital edema and pitting edema of the lower extremities. Cardiopulmonary examination shows no abnormalities. Which of the following is most likely decreased in this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Frothy or foamy urine may be caused by proteinuria.  Heavy proteinuria, as in nephrotic syndrome, can cause regional or generalized interstitial edema because the decrease in serum albumin and total protein concentrations lowers the plasma oncotic pressure and increases net plasma filtration in capillary beds.

A 10-Year-Old Boy Is Brought to the Physician Because of Increasing