In a person with nephrotic syndrome, which of the following increases the risk for infection?

In nephrotic syndrome, individuals experience significant proteinuria, leading to the loss of immunoglobulins and other proteins critical for immune function. The reduction in serum albumin and other immune-related proteins compromises the body’s ability to mount effective immune responses, thereby increasing susceptibility to infections. This immunosuppression occurs because many antibodies and complement proteins that help fight off infections are lost through the urine, and as a result, the overall capacity of the immune system to protect against pathogens is diminished.

Hydration, while important for overall health, does not inherently increase the risk of infections in the context of nephrotic syndrome. Maintaining adequate hydration assists in kidney function and can help with appropriate fluid balance, but it does not have a direct relationship with infectious risk.

A high protein diet may seem counterintuitive, especially since nephrotic syndrome leads to protein loss, but increasing dietary protein can be potentially harmful in certain conditions; however, it is not directly tied to increased infection risk. Lastly, normal immune function is not characteristic of nephrotic syndrome; due to the significant protein loss, immune function is often impaired.

Thus, the underlying mechanism of immunosuppression from protein loss is the critical factor that elevates the risk for infections in patients