Which finding is NOT typical of nephrotic syndrome?

• A. Edema
• B. Hematuria
• C. Heavy proteinuria
• D. Hypoalbuminemia

Answer: (B)

Nephrotic syndrome reflects a heavy loss of protein in the urine due to increased glomerular permeability, which drops the plasma oncotic pressure and leads to edema. The classic set of findings includes heavy proteinuria (typically over 3.5 g/day), hypoalbuminemia, and edema, with hyperlipidemia often accompanying as the liver compensates for the protein loss. Hematuria, or blood in the urine, is not typical of nephrotic syndrome because this condition centers on protein loss rather than bleeding from glomerular injury. Blood in the urine is more commonly associated with nephritic processes where inflammation and damage to the glomeruli cause bleeding. So, the finding that does not fit the nephrotic picture is hematuria.