Which symptom may indicate acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis?

The correct answer is indicative of a preceding infection caused by group A Streptococcus, which can lead to a condition known as acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (APGN). This condition often follows a throat infection, so the presence of a sore throat in the recent history of the child can serve as a significant clue.

In the case of APGN, the immune response to the streptococcal bacteria leads to inflammation in the glomeruli of the kidneys after the infection has resolved. Thus, if a child presents with a sore throat, it raises suspicion for potential kidney complications, such as APGN, especially if accompanied by typical symptoms like hematuria, edema, or hypertension.

While symptoms like frequent headaches, weight gain, and abdominal pain may occur in some clinical settings, they are less specific or directly linked to the development of APGN following a streptococcal infection. Therefore, the recent history of a sore throat is a critical factor in identifying the risk for acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis.