A nurse is reviewing provider prescriptions for a client who has reduced kidney function. Which of the following prescribed diagnostics should the nurse question?

A. Calcium 9.6 mg/dL (9 to 10.5 mg/dL): Treatment involves calcium and vitamin D supplementation to restore normal calcium levels. A calcium level of 9.6 mg/dL is within the normal range, indicating that the treatment is effective in correcting the calcium deficiency.

B. Glucose 96 mg/dL (74 to 106 mg/dL): Blood glucose is not directly related to the management of hypoparathyroidism. The glucose level being within normal range does not provide information about the effectiveness of treatment for hypoparathyroidism.

C. Potassium 4.3 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mEq/L): Potassium levels are not directly affected by hypoparathyroidism. This value is within the normal range but does not indicate the effectiveness of treatment for hypoparathyroidism specifically.

D. Sodium 142 mEq/L (136 to 145 mEq/L): Sodium levels are not typically influenced by hypoparathyroidism or its treatment. This value is within normal range but does not indicate the effectiveness of treatment for hypoparathyroidism.

Rationale for Correct Choices:

• Cirrhosis: The client's symptoms—dyspnea, abdominal distention, hepatomegaly, peripheral edema, dilated abdominal veins, and ascites—are classic findings of decompensated cirrhosis. The presence of respiratory difficulty and positional breathing, combined with hypoactive bowel sounds and fluid accumulation, further supports this diagnosis.
• Measure the abdominal girth: This is key to track the progression or improvement of ascites. Regular monitoring allows for early detection of fluid accumulation, evaluation of treatment effectiveness, and aids in decisions about diuretic therapy or paracentesis.
• Teach the client about restricted sodium intake: Sodium promotes fluid retention, worsening ascites and edema. Educating the client about dietary sodium limits is critical in managing cirrhosis and preventing further complications from fluid overload.
• Ascites: Monitoring for ascites provides immediate clinical feedback on the severity of fluid overload and response to interventions like diuretics or sodium restriction. It is an essential parameter in managing liver failure.
• Ammonia levels: Elevated ammonia in cirrhosis is linked to hepatic encephalopathy. Monitoring this helps detect early neurological changes and allows for timely treatment with medications like lactulose to prevent cognitive deterioration.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices:

• Crohn’s disease: While it involves gastrointestinal symptoms, Crohn's typically presents with abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss, not massive ascites or hepatomegaly. The client’s signs more strongly align with liver dysfunction than inflammatory bowel disease.
• Celiac disease: This autoimmune disorder is associated with gluten sensitivity, malabsorption, and often weight loss or nutrient deficiencies—not the significant fluid retention, edema, or liver-related symptoms shown in this scenario.
• Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis may present with abdominal pain and elevated pancreatic enzymes, but it doesn't cause peripheral edema, hepatomegaly, or large-volume ascites. The absence of abdominal pain and the presence of other findings disqualify this diagnosis.
• Assess amylase and lipase levels: These are useful in diagnosing pancreatitis but are not relevant in the setting of cirrhosis. The client has no signs of pancreatic inflammation or acute abdominal pain that would justify these tests.
• Manage pain control: Pain is not a reported symptom in this case. While pain management is important in general care, it is not a priority in this clinical scenario where respiratory distress and fluid management are more urgent.
• Teach the client about gluten: Gluten restriction is specific to managing celiac disease, which is not supported by this client’s presentation. There is no evidence of gluten sensitivity, diarrhea, or malabsorption issues in this case.
• Unintentional weight loss: This would be expected in conditions with malnutrition or wasting, not in cases with fluid retention like cirrhosis. The client has gained weight, likely due to ascites and edema.
• Diet adherence to prevent exacerbations: Although general dietary adherence is important in chronic disease management, it is not specific or measurable enough in this acute care scenario. Specifically monitoring the impact of the diet (e.g., through changes in ascites or edema) is more direct.