Which of the following is a common cause of edema in nephrotic syndrome?

Hypoalbuminemia is a common cause of edema in nephrotic syndrome. In this condition, there is a significant loss of protein, particularly albumin, in the urine due to damage to the glomeruli. Albumin plays a critical role in maintaining oncotic pressure, which is the pressure that helps to keep fluid within the blood vessels. When albumin levels fall, the oncotic pressure decreases, leading to the movement of fluid from the vascular space into the interstitial tissue. This process results in the swelling characteristic of edema.

Understanding the mechanism of edema formation in nephrotic syndrome highlights the importance of serum albumin levels. In nephrotic syndrome, the combination of proteinuria and resulting hypoalbuminemia directly precipitates edema, making it a hallmark sign of the disease.

Other options like infection, increased blood volume, and excessive exercise do not directly cause the edema seen in nephrotic syndrome. While infections can occur in patients with nephrotic syndrome, they are not a primary cause of edema. Increased blood volume might contribute to some forms of edema, but in nephrotic syndrome, it is the loss of albumin that predominantly drives fluid retention in tissues. Excessive exercise might contribute to transient edema due to