A client with cirrhosis is undergoing diagnostic tests to assess the severity and extent of ascites. The nurse explains that an imaging test commonly used to evaluate the liver and abdominal organs in this client is:

Choice A reason:

Mild ankle edema is not uncommon in clients with fluid retention, such as ascites. While it requires monitoring, it does not indicate an immediate need for intervention.

Choice B reason:

Moderate abdominal distention is a common finding in clients with ascites and should be monitored, but it does not require immediate intervention.

Choice C reason:

Complaints of thirst and dry mouth may indicate dehydration, which should be addressed, but it does not require immediate intervention as other options.

Choice D reason:

This statement is correct. Respiratory distress and cyanosis are concerning findings in a client with ascites, as they may indicate severe pulmonary edema or other respiratory complications that require immediate intervention and medical attention.

Choice A reason:

Pleural effusion is fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity (around the lungs), and it can be associated with ascites, but it is not the specific complication described in the scenario.

Choice B reason:

Pneumonia is a lung infection and is not directly related to the difficulty breathing and increased respiratory rate described in the client with ascites.

Choice C reason:

This statement is correct. Pulmonary edema is a potential complication of ascites in which excess fluid accumulates in the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing and an increased respiratory rate.

Choice D reason:

Atelectasis is the collapse of part or all of a lung, and while it can be associated with difficulty breathing, it is not directly related to ascites.