A client with ascites presents with difficulty breathing and increased respiratory rate. The nurse should recognize these symptoms as a potential complication of ascites known as:

Choice A reason:

Monitoring the client's blood pressure during the procedure is essential, but the nurse should prioritize administering an analgesic before the paracentesis to reduce pain and ensure the client's comfort during the procedure.

Choice B reason:

This statement is correct. Administering an analgesic before the procedure can help reduce pain and discomfort associated with paracentesis.

Choice C reason:

Restricting the client's fluid intake before the procedure is not necessary, as paracentesis is typically performed to remove fluid from the abdominal cavity and provide relief for the client.

Choice D reason:

Maintaining a supine position during the procedure is not required. The nurse should position the client comfortably, which may include elevating the head of the bed or placing the client in a side-lying position to facilitate fluid drainage.

QUESTION

Choice A reason:

Electrolyte imbalances can occur in clients with ascites, but they are not directly related to the symptoms of fatigue and weakness described by the client.

Choice B reason:

Iron deficiency anemia may be present in clients with chronic liver disease, but it is not the primary cause of the client's fatigue and weakness in this scenario.

Choice C reason:

Hepatic encephalopathy is a complication of liver disease, but it typically presents with neurological symptoms such as confusion, altered mental status, and behavior changes, not fatigue and weakness.

Choice D reason:

This statement is correct. Fatigue and weakness are common symptoms in clients with chronic liver disease and ascites, and they can be related to malnutrition, which is often seen in these clients due to poor appetite, nutrient malabsorption, and other factors related to liver dysfunction.