Oedema in children: diagnostic approach — OSCE

Station brief (candidate)

• Explain that swelling is oedema — a sign needing a cause, not a final label.
• Interpret dipstick and BP in plain language (nephrotic-leaning pattern).
• Outline bedside checks: threat, distribution, perfusion, weight.
• Describe next tests (albumin, kidney function, formal proteinuria) and likely pathway.
• Teach return triggers: fever, severe abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, headache/visual change, rapid weight gain.
• Avoid blame; use teach-back; do not invent uncited drug doses. ^{[1] [2] [3]}