A home health nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has diabetes mellitus. Which of the following statements should the nurse make to evaluate the client's use of a glucometer?

The correct answer is choice d. Measure the client’s abdominal girth daily.

Choice A rationale:

Positioning the client supine with legs elevated is not recommended for managing ascites. This position does not help in reducing fluid accumulation in the abdomen and may worsen respiratory issues.

Choice B rationale:

Keeping the client’s daily protein intake below 0.8 g/kg is not typically recommended for clients with cirrhosis and ascites. Adequate protein intake is necessary to prevent muscle wasting and maintain nutritional status.

Choice C rationale:

Restricting the client’s sodium intake to 2 g not 3g per day is a common intervention for managing ascites, but it is usually more restrictive, often around 2 g per day, to effectively reduce fluid retention.

Choice D rationale:

Measuring the client’s abdominal girth daily is essential for monitoring the progression of ascites. It helps in assessing the effectiveness of treatment and detecting any worsening of the condition.

B. “I should discuss this document with my family after I sign it.”It is important for clients to discuss their advance directives with their family members to ensure that their wishes are understood and respected. This helps prevent confusion and ensures that family members are aware of the client’s preferences for end-of-life care.

Incorrect Options:

A. “I am not allowed to change my mind once I sign this document.”Clients can change or revoke their advance directives at any time as long as they are competent to do so.

C. “My partner needs to be present when I sign this document.”While it is a good idea to have a witness, it is not necessary for the partner to be present. The requirements for witnesses vary by jurisdiction.

D. “An attorney will need to notarize this document for it to be valid.”Not all advance directives require notarization. The requirements vary by state or country, and some may only require witnesses.