A nurse is caring for a client who is in the oliguric phase of acute kidney injury. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Provide a diet high in protein.

During the oliguric phase of acute kidney injury (AKI), there is a risk of electrolyte imbalances, including elevated levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. Restricting protein intake is often recommended during this phase to manage azotemia and prevent the accumulation of waste products that the kidneys may struggle to excrete.

B. Provide ibuprofen for retroperitoneal discomfort.

Ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are contraindicated in AKI. They can further compromise renal function and may contribute to acute tubular necrosis. NSAIDs can also affect renal blood flow, leading to worsening kidney function.

C. Monitor intake and output hourly.

Monitoring intake and output (I&O) is a critical nursing intervention during the oliguric phase of AKI. Hourly monitoring helps assess renal function, fluid balance, and the effectiveness of interventions. It allows for early detection of changes that may require prompt intervention.

D. Encourage the client to consume at least 2 L of fluid daily.

In the oliguric phase of AKI, fluid intake is often restricted to prevent fluid overload. Encouraging excessive fluid intake may contribute to fluid retention and worsen the oliguria. Fluid management is carefully regulated based on the individual client's needs and renal function.

A. Instruct the client to tilt her head back when she swallows.

Tipping the head back during swallowing is not recommended, especially for individuals with dysphagia. It can increase the risk of aspiration, as it may interfere with the normal swallowing mechanism. The head should be kept in a neutral position during swallowing.

B. Place food on the left side of the client’s mouth.

Placing food on the side with weakness may lead to difficulty in chewing and increased risk of aspiration. The placement of food should be based on the individual's ability and preference, and it's important to consider the safety of swallowing.

C. Add thickener to fluids.

This is the correct choice. Adding thickener to fluids can help modify their consistency, making them easier to swallow and reducing the risk of aspiration. The appropriate thickness should be determined based on the individual's ability to swallow safely.

D. Serve food at room temperature.

While serving food at room temperature may be a preference for some individuals, it is not specifically addressing the safety concerns related to dysphagia and left-sided weakness. The focus should be on modifying food textures and consistencies to ensure safe swallowing.