The nurse is reviewing laboratory test results for the client with liver disease and notes that the client's albumin level is low. Which nursing assessment indicates low albumin levels?

Choice A reason: Sodium level is not a direct measure of fluid volume. While sodium balance can influence fluid status, the serum sodium level can be affected by various factors and does not reliably indicate fluid volume increase on its own.

Choice B reason: Intake and output records are important for managing fluid balance, especially in a hospital setting. However, they can be influenced by many factors, such as incomplete recording or insensible losses, and do not provide a direct measure of fluid retention.

Choice C reason: Daily weight is considered the most reliable measure of fluid retention. Weight changes can reflect fluid balance accurately because 1 liter of fluid is roughly equivalent to 1 kilogram of body weight. In clients with chronic kidney disease, daily weight monitoring can help detect fluid volume increases or decreases promptly. For a client with chronic kidney disease, daily weight monitoring is a key assessment tool for detecting fluid volume changes. It provides a quantifiable and objective measure that can guide interventions to manage fluid balance effectively.

Choice D reason: Tissue turgor, which refers to the skin’s elasticity, is not a reliable measure of fluid volume. It can be influenced by age, edema, and other factors, and changes in turgor may not accurately reflect fluid status in the body.

Title: Choice A reason: Beta-blocking agent Beta-blocking agents are often used in the management of cirrhosis of the liver. They are particularly useful in managing portal hypertension, a common complication of cirrhosis. Beta-blockers lower elevated portal pressure and protect against variceal hemorrhage, a serious complication of portal hypertension. Therefore, a beta-blocking agent may be ordered for a client with cirrhosis of the liver.

Title: Choice B reason: Diuretic Diuretics are commonly used in the management of fluid retention, a frequent complication in patients with cirrhosis. Fluid retention can lead to conditions such as ascites (abdominal fluid accumulation) and edema (swelling in the legs, feet, or ankles)2. Diuretics help to remove excess fluid from the body, thereby managing these symptoms. Therefore, a diuretic may be ordered for a client with cirrhosis of the liver.

Title: Choice C reason: Opioid analgesic While opioid analgesics are powerful pain relievers, they should be used with caution in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. Opioids can precipitate hepatic encephalopathy, a condition characterized by altered mental status and neuromuscular dysfunction, which is a serious complication of cirrhosis. Therefore, an opioid analgesic may not be the best choice for a client with cirrhosis of the liver.

Title: Choice D reason: Lactulose Lactulose is a non-absorbable sugar that is widely used in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy, a common complication in patients with cirrhosis. It works by reducing the absorption of ammonia in the gut, thereby lowering blood ammonia levels and improving symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy. Therefore, lactulose may be ordered for a client with cirrhosis of the liver.

Title: Choice E reason: Sedative Sedatives should be used with caution in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. Like opioids, they can precipitate hepatic encephalopathy. Therefore, a sedative may not be the best choice for a client with cirrhosis of the liver.