Glomerulonephritis is a kidney disorder that affects the glomeruli. It is usually characterised by oedema, hypertension and:

Appeared in: AIIMS Jodhpur SNO-2023

Explanation

Haematuria, or blood in the urine, is a cardinal sign of glomerulonephritis, completing the classic triad with oedema and hypertension.
The inflammation of the glomeruli damages the capillary walls, allowing red blood cells to pass into the urine, often described as 'cola-coloured' or 'smoky'.
This presentation is characteristic of acute nephritic syndrome, a common manifestation of glomerulonephritis.

Option A: Significant WBCs in the urine (pyuria) is the primary indicator of a urinary tract infection (UTI), not glomerulonephritis.
Option B: Dysuria, or painful urination, is a symptom of irritation in the lower urinary tract, typically the bladder or urethra.
Option C: Polydipsia, or excessive thirst, is a hallmark symptom of conditions causing dehydration or high blood glucose.

Visual 1: Diagram - Pathophysiology of Glomerulonephritis. A diagram showing a healthy glomerulus versus an inflamed glomerulus, highlighting the damaged basement membrane and leakage of red blood cells and protein.
Visual 2: Flowchart - Clinical Manifestations. A flowchart linking the initial glomerular inflammation to the development of haematuria, oedema, and hypertension.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Clinical Manifestations of Glomerulonephritis as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A nurse's primary role in managing a patient with suspected glomerulonephritis includes meticulous monitoring of vital signs (especially blood pressure), strict intake and output charting, and daily weight assessment to track fluid status.
Observing and documenting urine characteristics, such as colour (for haematuria) and volume (for oliguria), provides critical data for diagnosis and response to treatment.
What if? If a patient with these symptoms also had massive proteinuria and severe, generalized oedema (anasarca), the diagnosis would more likely shift towards Nephrotic Syndrome, which requires a different management focus on replacing protein and managing severe fluid shifts.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core medical condition presented in the question stem: Glomerulonephritis.
Recall the classic clinical presentation or triad of symptoms associated with this condition.
The stem provides two parts of the triad: oedema and hypertension. Your task is to identify the third component from the options.
Evaluate each option based on your knowledge of renal pathophysiology. Eliminate options that are classic signs of other conditions (like UTIs or diabetes).
Select the option that completes the well-known triad for acute nephritic syndrome, which is a primary manifestation of glomerulonephritis.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Clinical Manifestations of Glomerulonephritis
Stem keywords: Glomerulonephritis, kidney disorder, glomeruli, oedema, hypertension
Lead-in keywords: characterised by

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