Question

A nurse is caring for a client who has cirrhosis and ascites. Which of the following dietary instructions should the nurse provide for this client?

A.) "Decrease your sodium intake to 1 to 2 grams per day."

B.) "Increase your daily fluid intake to 3 liters per day."

C.) "Consume 0.5 grams per kilogram of protein per day."

D.) "Eliminate foods that contain vitamin K."

Answer 1

The nurse should instruct the client to decrease sodium intake, increase fluid intake, and avoid specific foods.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should provide the dietary instruction to the client with cirrhosis and ascites to "Decrease your sodium intake to 1 to 2 grams per day." Excess sodium can worsen fluid retention and increase the risk of complications. Sodium restriction helps reduce the buildup of fluid in the abdomen. A low-sodium diet typically involves avoiding processed and prepared foods, as they tend to be high in sodium.

Additionally, it is important to note that the client should "Increase your daily fluid intake to 3 liters per day." This helps to promote diuresis and flush out excess fluid.

The other options, "Consume 0.5 grams per kilogram of protein per day" and "Eliminate foods that contain vitamin K" are not specific to the needs of a client with cirrhosis and ascites.