Questions to Ask Your Pediatric Nephrologist
A checklist for families covering diagnosis, lab results, treatment, relapses, daily life, and the long-term outlook. Print it, or bring it on your phone.
← Back to Nephrotic Syndrome overviewAbout the diagnosis
- What exactly is my child's diagnosis?
- What caused this — do we know yet?
- Could this be genetic or hereditary?
- What will future tests tell us?
About lab results
- What do the protein and creatinine numbers mean?
- What levels are we trying to reach?
- How often will we recheck these?
- What would trigger a change in plan?
About treatment
- Why this medication, and for how long?
- What side effects should I watch for?
- What if it doesn't work?
- Are there alternatives we should know about?
About relapses
- What are the early signs of a relapse?
- When exactly should I call you?
- Should I start any treatment at home?
- Do you want me to test urine at home?
Daily life & school
- Can my child go to school normally?
- Are any sports or activities off-limits?
- Are there food or fluid restrictions?
- What do I tell the school nurse?
Long-term outlook
- What's the likely course for my child?
- Will they grow out of this?
- When might we reduce or stop medication?
- Are there any clinical trials we should consider?
Tips for making the most of your appointment
When should I bring a question list?
Always, but especially at first diagnosis, after a relapse, or when a new medication is added. Appointments move quickly — written questions make sure nothing important gets missed in the moment.
What should I bring to the first appointment?
A list of current medications and doses, any urine dipstick results you've tracked at home, previous lab reports, and your written question list. Bringing a second person to take notes can help enormously.
How do I get the most out of a short visit?
Prioritize your top 2–3 questions and ask them first, before the appointment ends. Ask whether there's a patient portal or email for follow-up questions between visits. Request a written after-visit summary where available.
Who else on the team should I ask questions to?
The nephrology nurse or nurse practitioner is often best for day-to-day management questions. A renal dietitian can advise on sodium and protein in the diet. A pharmacist can go deeper on medication questions and interactions.
Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and relapse monitoring — the complete family guide.