A nurse is planning care for a client who has cirrhosis and ascites. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
A.
Decrease the client’s carbohydrate intake.
B.
Increase the client’s saturated fat intake.
C.
Decrease the client’s fluid intake.
D.
Increase the client’s sodium intake.
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct intervention for a client with cirrhosis and ascites is:
C. Decrease the client’s fluid intake.
Explanation:
Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease that can lead to complications such as ascites, which is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. Managing ascites involves several strategies, and dietary management plays a crucial role. Here’s why decreasing fluid intake is important:
- Fluid Management: Ascites is often caused by portal hypertension, a condition in which increased pressure in the portal vein leads to fluid leakage into the abdominal cavity. To manage this, it’s essential to limit fluid intake to prevent further fluid accumulation. Reducing fluid intake helps in controlling the volume of ascitic fluid and can help mitigate symptoms such as abdominal distension and discomfort.
- Sodium Restriction: Alongside fluid restriction, sodium intake is usually restricted in clients with ascites. Sodium contributes to fluid retention, so a low-sodium diet helps reduce fluid buildup. Although not directly addressed in the options provided, sodium restriction is a key component in managing ascites.
- Nutritional Balance: While options A and B suggest changes in carbohydrate and fat intake, respectively, these are less directly related to managing ascites compared to fluid and sodium restrictions. A balanced diet with controlled protein and carbohydrate intake is important in cirrhosis to manage overall health and liver function, but fluid management takes precedence in dealing with ascites.
- Increased Sodium Intake: Increasing sodium intake (option D) would exacerbate fluid retention and worsen ascites, making it counterproductive.
In summary, decreasing fluid intake is a fundamental intervention for managing ascites associated with cirrhosis, helping to control fluid accumulation and alleviate symptoms. This approach is crucial in the broader context of managing cirrhosis and its complications.