To accurately assess edema in a child with acute glomerulonephritis, what should the nurse prioritize?

Daily weighing is a crucial method for assessing edema in a child with acute glomerulonephritis because it provides a reliable and quantitative measure of fluid retention. Since edema is essentially an accumulation of excess fluid in the body, tracking weight changes can help the nurse detect shifts in fluid volume effectively.

A sudden increase in weight can indicate worsening edema or fluid overload, which is particularly relevant in the context of acute glomerulonephritis, where kidney function may be compromised and fluid balance is critical. In this situation, accurate daily weights can prompt timely interventions to address fluid overload, such as adjusting diuretics or managing dietary fluid restrictions.

While monitoring electrolyte values, observing body changes, and measuring intake and output are all important components of care for a child with acute glomerulonephritis, these measures may not provide as direct or immediate a reflection of fluid status as daily weighing does. Therefore, weighing the child daily is the most prioritized method for assessing edema in this context.