A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing acute alcohol withdrawal. Which of the following findings is the nurse's priority?

Choice A reason:

Urine specific gravity should not be reported by the nurse. While urine specific gravity is an important indicator of hydration status and kidney function, the provided information does not suggest any abnormalities in urinary output or signs of kidney issues. It is not the most critical finding to report in this scenario.

Choice B reason:

Prealbumin should not be reported by the nurse. Prealbumin is a protein used to assess nutritional status, but its significance in this situation is not apparent from the provided data. It may be relevant in other contexts, such as assessing malnutrition, but it does not directly address the current findings.

Choice C reason:

Temperature should not be reported by the nurse. The provided information does not include any data about the client's temperature, and there are no signs of infection mentioned. While temperature is an important vital sign, it is not relevant to the findings presented in this scenario.

Choice D reason

The nurse should report the "hypoactive bowel sounds upon auscultation" to the provider. Hypoactive bowel sounds can be a sign of gastrointestinal (GI) motility issues, which may indicate a potential problem with the client's digestive system. It could be due to various causes such as bowel obstruction, inflammation, or other GI disorders. Reporting this finding to the provider is essential so that appropriate assessments and interventions can be taken to address the client's condition.

The correct answer is choice d. Measure the client’s abdominal girth daily.

Choice A rationale:

Positioning the client supine with legs elevated is not recommended for managing ascites. This position does not help in reducing fluid accumulation in the abdomen and may worsen respiratory issues.

Choice B rationale:

Keeping the client’s daily protein intake below 0.8 g/kg is not typically recommended for clients with cirrhosis and ascites. Adequate protein intake is necessary to prevent muscle wasting and maintain nutritional status.

Choice C rationale:

Restricting the client’s sodium intake to 2 g not 3g per day is a common intervention for managing ascites, but it is usually more restrictive, often around 2 g per day, to effectively reduce fluid retention.

Choice D rationale:

Measuring the client’s abdominal girth daily is essential for monitoring the progression of ascites. It helps in assessing the effectiveness of treatment and detecting any worsening of the condition.