Aron's father (with type 2 diabetes) has been encouraged to increase his exercise level. Exercise is encouraged in type 2 diabetes because:

Choice A reason: Swelling of the feet, or peripheral edema, can be associated with ascites, but it is not a primary measurement used to diagnose ascites. Peripheral edema can occur due to various conditions, including heart failure, kidney disease, and venous insufficiency. It does not specifically indicate the presence of ascites, which is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.

Choice B reason: Urine output is an important measure of renal function and fluid balance but is not directly used to diagnose ascites. Changes in urine output can indicate kidney function and fluid status but do not specifically assess fluid accumulation in the abdomen.

Choice C reason: Abdominal girth measurement is a key method used to assess and monitor ascites. Measuring the circumference of the abdomen can help quantify the amount of fluid accumulation. An increase in abdominal girth over time is a strong indicator of ascites and can be used to track the progression or resolution of the condition. This method is simple, non-invasive, and effective in evaluating the severity of ascites.

Choice D reason: Chest circumference is not used to diagnose ascites. While changes in chest circumference can indicate respiratory or thoracic conditions, they do not provide information about fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity. Ascites is specifically related to the abdomen, and measurements of abdominal girth are more relevant and informative in this context.

Choice A reason: While white blood cells (WBC) are essential for fighting infections, increased WBCs in the blood is not the reason why a minor injury can cause major complications in individuals with diabetes. In fact, diabetes can impair the function of WBCs, making it harder to fight infections.

Choice B reason: Edema, or swelling, can occur in individuals with diabetes, especially in the lower extremities. However, it is not the primary reason why minor injuries can lead to severe complications. Edema can contribute to discomfort and further complications, but it is not the root cause.

Choice C reason: Increased blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues would generally be beneficial for healing. However, individuals with diabetes often have impaired blood flow, not increased blood flow. This impairment can hinder the healing process and lead to complications.

Choice D reason: The major reason why a minor injury can cause significant complications in individuals with diabetes is due to decreased blood flow to the tissues. Diabetes can cause damage to blood vessels and nerves (peripheral neuropathy), leading to poor circulation and a reduced ability to sense injuries. This decreased blood flow can prevent adequate delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, leading to slow healing, increased risk of infection, and in severe cases, gangrene (tissue death). Without proper blood flow, even minor injuries can become serious and may require medical intervention, including possible amputation to prevent the spread of infection.