A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a client who has cirrhosis and ascites. Which of the following interventions should the nurse recommend for inclusion in the plan of care?
Increase the client’s sodium intake.
Decrease the client’s fluid intake.
Increase the client’s saturated fat intake.
Decrease the client’s carbohydrate intake
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A: Increase the client’s sodium intake. This is not an intervention that the nurse should recommend for inclusion in the plan of care for a client who has cirrhosis and ascites. Increasing the client’s sodium intake can worsen fluid retention and exacerbate ascites. The nurse should recommend limiting the client’s sodium intake to less than 2 g per day.
Choice B: Decrease the client’s fluid intake. This is an intervention that the nurse should recommend for inclusion in the plan of care for a client who has cirrhosis and ascites. Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease that causes scarring and impaired liver function. Ascites is a complication of cirrhosis that involves the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity. Decreasing the client’s fluid intake can help reduce fluid retention and prevent further distension of the abdomen and pressure on the diaphragm.
Choice C: Increase the client’s saturated fat intake. This is not an intervention that the nurse should recommend for inclusion in the plan of care for a client who has cirrhosis and ascites. Increasing the client’s saturated fat intake can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and faty liver disease. The nurse should recommend a balanced diet that provides adequate protein, calories, vitamins, and minerals.
Choice D: Decrease the client’s carbohydrate intake. This is not an intervention that the nurse should recommend for inclusion in the plan of care for a client who has cirrhosis and ascites. Decreasing the client’s carbohydrate intake can cause ketosis, which is a metabolic state that occurs when the body uses fat as a fuel source instead of glucose.
Ketosis can cause nausea, fatigue, headache, and bad breath. The nurse should recommend a moderate carbohydrate intake that provides enough glucose for energy and prevents ketosis.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: Check for bleeding on the dressing at the back of the client’s neck. This is an implementation that the nurse should recommend for a client who is 4 hr postoperative from a subtotal thyroidectomy, which is a surgical removal of part of the thyroid gland. The nurse should check for bleeding on the dressing at the back of the client’s neck because this is where blood can pool and go unnoticed. Bleeding can cause hematoma, compression of the airway, and respiratory distress.
Choice B: Ensure that acetylcysteine IV is readily available. This is not an implementation that the nurse should recommend for a client who is 4 hr postoperative from a subtotal thyroidectomy. Acetylcysteine IV is an antidote for acetaminophen overdose, which can cause liver damage, but it is not related to thyroid surgery.
Choice C: Place the client in a side-lying position. This is not an implementation that the nurse should recommend for a client who is 4 hr postoperative from a subtotal thyroidectomy. The nurse should place the client in a semi-Fowler’s position, which is a position with the head of the bed elevated to 30 to 45 degrees. This position can facilitate breathing, reduce edema, and prevent aspiration.
Choice D: Check the client for asterixis. This is not an implementation that the nurse should recommend for a client who is 4 hr postoperative from a subtotal thyroidectomy. Asterixis is a sign of hepatic encephalopathy, which is a condition caused by liver failure, but it is not related to thyroid surgery.

Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: Notify the nurse manager. This is an important action that the nurse should take, but not a priority. The nurse should notify the nurse manager to report the error and seek guidance on how to proceed. The nurse manager can also provide support and feedback to the nurse and help prevent similar errors in the future.
Choice B: Give the client 15 to 20 g of carbohydrate. This is a necessary action that the nurse should take, but not the priority. The nurse should give the client 15 to 20 g of carbohydrates to raise their blood glucose level and prevent or treat hypoglycemia. The nurse should choose a fast-acting carbohydrate source, such as juice, glucose tablets, or candy.
Choice C: Complete an incident report. This is a required action that the nurse should take, but not the priority. The nurse should complete an incident report to document the error and its consequences. The incident report can help identify the root cause of the error and improve patient safety and quality of care.
Choice D: Check the client’s blood glucose level. This is the priority action that the nurse should identify according to the ABCDE principle, which prioritizes interventions based on airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure. The nurse should check the client’s blood glucose level to confirm the error and assess the risk of hypoglycemia, which is a low level of glucose in the blood. Hypoglycemia can cause symptoms such as sweating, trembling, confusion, and loss of consciousness. It can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
