A client with liver cirrhosis is experiencing fluid retention and abdominal distension due to ascites. Which nursing intervention is essential to manage this complication?
Restricting fluid intake to reduce edema.
Encouraging the client to consume a high-sodium diet.
Assisting with paracentesis to drain the ascitic fluid.
Administering diuretics to promote urine output.
The Correct Answer is C
A) Restricting fluid intake is not appropriate for managing ascites in clients with liver cirrhosis. Ascites occurs due to fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity and is not primarily influenced by oral fluid intake.
B) Encouraging a high-sodium diet is contraindicated in clients with ascites. High sodium intake can exacerbate fluid retention and worsen ascites. Instead, clients with ascites should be on a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid accumulation.
C) In a client with liver cirrhosis experiencing fluid retention and abdominal distension due to ascites, paracentesis is an essential intervention to drain the accumulated ascitic fluid from the abdominal cavity. Paracentesis helps to relieve discomfort, improve respiratory function, and reduce intra-abdominal pressure.
D) Diuretics are used in the management of ascites to promote urine output and reduce fluid retention. However, paracentesis is a more immediate intervention for relieving discomfort and removing a large volume of ascitic fluid.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) While adequate protein intake is necessary for overall health, excessive protein intake may worsen hepatic encephalopathy in some clients with liver cirrhosis. The priority for this client is to avoid alcohol consumption, not necessarily to increase protein intake.
B) Clients with liver cirrhosis and associated ascites should be on a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and prevent complications related to ascites.
C) Limiting fluid intake is not a standard recommendation for clients with liver cirrhosis. Instead, clients with ascites may be advised to follow a low-sodium diet and, if necessary, restrict fluid intake under the guidance of their healthcare provider.
D) For a client with liver cirrhosis, the most crucial dietary modification is to restrict alcohol consumption completely. Alcohol is a major contributing factor to liver damage and can exacerbate cirrhosis. Abstinence from alcohol is essential to prevent further liver injury and improve the client's overall prognosis.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) While MRI is also used to assess the liver, it may not be the first-line imaging modality for assessing the size and structure of the liver in clients with cirrhosis.
B) PET scans are mainly used to evaluate cellular metabolism and tissue function, including cancerous cells. While it can be helpful in detecting liver tumors, it may not be the primary choice for assessing liver size and structure in cirrhosis.
C) Computed tomography (CT) scan is commonly used to assess the liver's size, shape, and structure in clients with liver cirrhosis. CT provides detailed cross-sectional images of the liver, helping to identify any abnormalities, including liver nodules, fibrosis, and signs of portal hypertension.
D) An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test used to record electrical activity in the brain. It is not used to assess the liver's size, shape, or structure in clients with liver cirrhosis.
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