A client is receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis since the arteriovenous (AV) graft in the right arm is no longer available for use for hemodialysis. The client has lost weight, has increasing peripheral edema, and has a serum albumin level of 1.5 g/dL (15 g/L). Which intervention is the priority for the nurse to implement?

Serum Albumin Reference Range: 3.5 to 5.5 g/dL (35 to 55 g/L)

Choice B is correct because sodium intake can be regulated by limiting canned foods in the diet. Canned foods often contain high amounts of sodium as a preservative, which can increase blood pressure and fluid retention. The nurse should advise the client to choose fresh or frozen foods instead of canned foods or rinse them before eating.

Choice C is correct because salt substitutes can help with maintaining a healthy diet by reducing sodium intake. Salt substitutes are products that contain potassium chloride or other ingredients that mimic the taste of salt but have less or no sodium. The nurse should advise the client to use salt substitutes sparingly and check with their healthcare provider before using them if they have kidney problems or take certain medications.

Choice D is correct because weight management is promoted by taking daily walks for thirty minutes. Being overweight or obese can increase blood pressure and strain the heart and blood vessels. The nurse should advise the client to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight by engaging in regular physical activity and eating a balanced diet.

Choice F is correct because uncontrolled hypertension can lead to renal damage. High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys and impair their function, leading to chronic kidney disease or failure. The nurse should advise the client to monitor their blood pressure regularly and take prescribed medications as directed.

Choice A is incorrect because alcohol consumption can produce vascular changes that increase blood pressure. Alcohol can cause vasodilation, which lowers blood pressure temporarily, but also stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, which raises blood pressure over time. The nurse should advise the client to limit alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

Choice E is incorrect because blood pressure readings should not be taken at noontime. Blood pressure readings should be taken at the same time each day, preferably in the morning before breakfast or in the evening before dinner, when blood pressure is usually lower and more stable. The nurse should advise the client to avoid taking blood pressure readings when they are stressed, anxious, or have just exercised or eaten.

Choice A: Assessing pupillary response to light hourly is not related to dopamine administration. Dopamine does not affect the pupils or the cranial nerves that control them.

Choice B: Initiating seizure precautions is not necessary for a client receiving dopamine. Dopamine does not lower the seizure threshold or cause convulsions.

Choice C: Measuring urinary output every hour is an important intervention for a client receiving dopamine. Dopamine increases blood pressure and cardiac output, which improves renal perfusion and urine production. Urinary output is an indicator of the effectiveness of dopamine therapy and renal function.

Choice D: Monitoring serum potassium frequently is not directly related to dopamine administration. Dopamine does not affect potassium levels or cause hyperkalemia or hypokalemia. However, potassium levels may be affected by other factors such as fluid balance, renal function, and medications.