Correct Answer: hypercoagulability
when considering the characteristics of nephritic syndrome, it is important to understand how they differ from those of nephrotic syndrome. nephritic syndrome is primarily an inflammatory process in the kidneys, often due to glomerulonephritis, which is characterized by several key features. these include azotemia, hypertension, hematuria, mild or no proteinuria, and an active urine sediment. each of these characteristics has specific implications for kidney function and reflects the underlying pathology of glomerular inflammation.
azotemia, which refers to the presence of higher levels of nitrogen-containing compounds (such as urea and creatinine) in the blood, indicates a reduction in the glomerular filtration rate, a common feature in nephritic syndrome. hypertension in nephritic syndrome is caused by both the retention of fluid and sodium and the increased activity of renin due to reduced blood flow to the kidneys. hematuria — the presence of blood in the urine — is a direct result of the damage to the glomeruli, which are the filtering units of the kidney. mild or no proteinuria distinguishes nephritic syndrome from nephrotic syndrome, which typically features heavy proteinuria. finally, active urine sediment, which may contain red blood cells, white blood cells, and cellular casts, further confirms inflammation and damage within the glomeruli.
in contrast, hypercoagulability, which refers to an increased tendency for the blood to clot, is not a characteristic of nephritic syndrome but is a notable feature of nephrotic syndrome. in nephrotic syndrome, significant protein loss in the urine, especially the loss of proteins like antithrombin iii that prevent clotting, predisposes patients to hypercoagulability. this distinction is crucial for appropriate clinical management and treatment of the respective conditions.
thus, when asked to identify characteristics of nephritic syndrome, hypercoagulability should be recognized as an exception. understanding these distinctions helps in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of patients presenting with renal syndromes, ensuring that they receive the most appropriate care based on the specific type of renal impairment they are experiencing.
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