HESI RN Exit Exam 2024 Capstone Related

Review HESI RN Exit Exam 2024 Capstone related questions and content

A client with cirrhosis develops ascites. What is the nurse's priority intervention?

  • A. Administer diuretics as prescribed.
  • B. Restrict fluid intake to manage fluid overload.
  • C. Position the client in Fowler's position and assess for respiratory distress.
  • D. Measure the client's abdominal girth daily.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Restrict fluid intake to manage fluid overload. In a client with cirrhosis developing ascites, the priority intervention is to restrict fluid intake. This helps manage fluid overload, prevent further complications, such as respiratory distress or kidney impairment, and reduce the accumulation of ascitic fluid. Administering diuretics may be a part of the treatment plan, but the primary focus should be on fluid restriction. Positioning the client in Fowler's position and measuring the abdominal girth are important interventions but not the priority when managing ascites in cirrhosis.