A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a client who has ascites due to cirrhosis. Which of the following interventions should the nurse recommend to include in the plan?
Restrict the client's sodium intake to 3 g per day.
Position the client supine with legs elevated.
Measure the client's abdominal girth daily.
Keep the client's daily protein intake below 0.8 g/kg.
The Correct Answer is C
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. The primary mode of transmission is through the ingestion of the parasite's oocysts, which are commonly found in cat feces.
When a person comes into contact with cat feces, such as during cleaning of the litter box or gardening in soil contaminated with cat feces, they can inadvertently ingest the parasite. Therefore, handling cat feces is a common route of transmission for toxoplasmosis.

Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Explanation
C. The client has developed difficulty ambulating
The information about the client's difficulty ambulating is relevant to the interprofessional team because it may require input and collaboration from various healthcare professionals to address and manage the client's mobility issues. This information helps the team understand the client's current condition and plan appropriate interventions.
The client having state-sponsored health insurance in (option A) is incorrect because it is not directly relevant to the interprofessional team meeting unless it specifically impacts the client's healthcare options, resources, or access to care. However, it may be important to know for insurance-related discussions or considerations, depending on the purpose of the team meeting.
The client's next dressing change being scheduled in 4 hours in (option B) is incorrect because it is important information for the nurse's own clinical responsibilities, but it may not be directly relevant to the broader interprofessional team meeting unless it has implications for the client's overall care plan or requires input from other team members.
The frequency of the client's vital sign checks being every 8 hours in (option D) is incorrect because it is important for the nurse's routine monitoring and care, but it may not be the primary focus of the interprofessional team meeting unless there are specific concerns or changes in the client's vital signs that need to be addressed collaboratively.
In summary, the nurse should include information about the client's difficulty ambulating during the interprofessional team meeting, as it helps inform the team's discussions, interventions, and plans regarding the client's mobility and potential impact on their overall care.
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