Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 93%
Simulated
The urinalysis results for a client diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) indicate the presence of protein in the urine. The impairment of which structure within the kidney results in proteinuria?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
Proteinuria in CKoccurs due to damage to the glomerular filtration barrier. The glomerulus is the site of filtration in the nephron; when its podocytes or basement membrane are impaired (as in diabetic nephropathy, glomerulonephritis, etc.), proteins such as albumin leak into the urine. The Loop of Henle, distal convoluted tubule, and Bowman's capsule are not primarily responsible for preventing protein filtration under normal conditions.