A nurse is caring for a newly admitted older adult client.

Nurses' Notes

Day 1, 12:00:

Transferred to the medical-surgical unit from the emergency department (ED) for continued care following a closed reduction and immobilization of a fracture of the right arm. Accompanied by an adult child.

Client in visibly soiled night clothes with multiple stains, including what appears to be dried blood. Hair, teeth, and fingernails unclean. Strong body odor noted. Bruising of various stages noted around upper arms, back, shoulders, and neck area.

The client is soft-spoken, speaks almost in a whisper, and does not make eye contact with the nurse.

The client looks at their child before answering the nurse's questions and, when asked how the injury occurred, mumbles "I don't know. Ask them." The client's child states, "He gets confused sometimes. I can answer your questions."

Which of the following interventions should the nurse recommend to include in the client's plan of care?

Select all that apply.

A.Sodium restriction is a key component in the management of ascites, as it helps to reduce fluid retention. However, the standard recommendation for sodium intake in ascites management is typically lower than 3 grams per day. The guideline is often around 2 grams or even less to effectively manage ascites. Thus, while the concept is correct, the specific amount in this option is slightly higher than usually recommended.

B.This is not generally recommended for clients with ascites. Lying flat can increase discomfort and pressure on the diaphragm, making breathing more difficult. Instead, positioning the client in a semi-Fowler's or Fowler's position can help alleviate respiratory distress by reducing pressure on the diaphragm.

C. This is a crucial intervention. Measuring abdominal girth daily provides a reliable way to monitor changes in the size of the abdomen, which reflects changes in the amount of ascitic fluid. It helps in assessing the effectiveness of treatment and detecting any rapid accumulation of fluid that might require intervention.

D.While protein restriction was traditionally recommended to prevent hepatic encephalopathy, more recent guidelines suggest that moderate protein intake should be maintained unless the client has severe hepatic encephalopathy. Adequate protein intake is necessary to prevent muscle wasting and support liver function, and it should generally be individualized based on the client’s condition.

Hyperactive bowel sounds are bowel sounds that are louder and more frequent than normal. They may be heard as high-pitched rushing or tinkling sounds that occur irregularly at a rate greater than 5-6 sounds per minute. They are often associated with increased intestinal motility, such as diarrhea, gastroenteritis, or early bowel obstruction.

Option b is incorrect because hyperactive bowel sounds are not typically associated with a paralytic ileus, which is a condition where the bowel stops working and there is a lack of bowel sounds.

Option c is incorrect because hyperactive bowel sounds indicate increased motility, not decreased motility.

Option d is incorrect because soft bowel sounds at a rate of 1/min are considered hypoactive bowel sounds, which can be a sign of decreased intestinal motility, as seen in constipation or postoperative ileus.