Final answer:
For a patient with cirrhosis and ascites, the nurse should recommend limiting sodium intake to less than 2,000 mg per day to manage fluid retention. Other options like increasing protein intake or consuming a high-fat diet may not be appropriate, and fluid intake regulation may sometimes necessitate restrictions.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse caring for a patient with cirrhosis and ascites should advise on dietary modifications to manage the condition effectively. Among the options provided, the correct dietary instruction to give to the patient would be "Limit sodium intake to less than 2,000 mg per day". This recommendation is critical because excess sodium can exacerbate fluid retention, leading to worsening ascites. Reducing sodium intake helps decrease the excretory load on the kidneys, which is beneficial in managing ascites. Furthermore, diuretics might be used, but they also work more efficiently when sodium intake is controlled.
Patient education should underline the importance of avoiding high sodium foods and reading labels to check for hidden sodium in processed foods. However, contrary to one of the options, patients should not increase protein intake indiscriminately as excessive protein can contribute to hepatic encephalopathy in individuals with severe liver disease. A balanced intake of protein should be maintained instead. In addition, a high-fat diet should generally be avoided as it may worsen the liver's condition. Lastly, fluid intake may need to be monitored and sometimes restricted in some cases, unlike the suggestion to avoid fluid restrictions to prevent dehydration. This should be carefully managed under medical supervision.