A nurse is providing education to a client newly diagnosed with ascites. The client asks about the underlying cause of this condition. Which of the following responses by the nurse is accurate?

Choice A reason:

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is used to assess heart rhythm and electrical activity, not to visualize ascites.

Choice B reason:

A chest X-ray is not specific to visualizing abdominal fluid accumulation and is not commonly used for diagnosing ascites.

Choice C reason:

This statement is correct. Abdominal ultrasound is commonly used to visualize and assess the presence of ascites by providing real-time images of the abdominal cavity, allowing healthcare providers to identify fluid accumulation.

Choice D reason:

A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test that evaluates the number and types of blood cells. While it may be useful for other diagnostic purposes, it is not used to visualize ascites.

Choice A reason:

This statement is correct. Weighing the client daily and recording the weight in the chart is an essential intervention to monitor fluid balance and detect any changes in body weight, which can indicate fluid retention or loss.

Choice B reason:

Measuring vital signs every four hours is important for assessing the client's overall condition, but it does not directly monitor fluid balance or hydration status.

Choice C reason:

Assessing urine output hourly is important, especially for clients with ascites who may have altered kidney function. However, it may not provide a comprehensive assessment of the client's overall fluid balance.

Choice D reason:

Restricting fluid intake may not be appropriate for all clients with ascites, as fluid restriction could lead to dehydration and further imbalances in fluid and electrolyte levels.