A nurse is caring for a patient who reports pain in their lower extremities following surgery. Which of the following should the nurse address first?

Choice A rationale
Increasing sodium intake is not recommended for a client with cirrhosis and ascites. Sodium can cause fluid retention, which can worsen ascites.
Choice B rationale
Increasing saturated fat intake is not recommended for a client with cirrhosis and ascites. A balanced diet with adequate protein and carbohydrates is recommended.
Choice C rationale
Decreasing fluid intake can be a part of the management plan for a client with cirrhosis and ascites. This can help manage fluid balance and prevent further accumulation of fluid in the abdomen.
Choice D rationale
Decreasing carbohydrate intake is not typically recommended for a client with cirrhosis and ascites. Carbohydrates provide a source of energy that is necessary for the body’s functions.

Choice A rationale

Peptic ulcer disease is not a common complication of difficulty swallowing after a stroke. It is typically caused by an infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori or long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Choice B rationale
Dumping syndrome is not a common complication of difficulty swallowing after a stroke. It is a condition that can occur after surgery to remove all or part of your stomach or after surgery to bypass your stomach to help you lose weight.
Choice C rationale
Aspiration is a common problem for people with dysphagia, a condition that can occur after a stroke. It occurs when something you’ve swallowed enters the airway and lungs. Normally, aspiration causes a violent cough, but a stroke can reduce sensation. In this case, you may not know you’re aspirating (silent aspiration)5.
Choice D rationale
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is not a common complication of difficulty swallowing after a stroke. GERD is a chronic disease that occurs when stomach acid or bile flows into the food pipe and irritates the lining.