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) Low sodium diet
b) High-protein diet
c) Fluid restriction
d) Low-fat diet

Answer 1

For a client with cirrhosis and ascites, the nurse should provide the dietary instruction of a low sodium diet to help manage fluid retention and ascites. Sodium can exacerbate water retention, which is why it should be limited in the diet of someone with this condition.

Step-by-step explanation:

The condition in question is cirrhosis with ascites. For a client with cirrhosis and ascites, the most appropriate dietary instruction from the options provided would be a) Low sodium diet. Ascites, which is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, often results from the inability of the liver to properly process blood due to the damage from cirrhosis. Sodium in the diet can lead to water retention and worsen ascites. By following a low sodium diet, fluid accumulation in the abdomen may be reduced, which in turn helps in managing the ascites.

In addition, other dietary instructions that are commonly given to clients with cirrhosis, which were not listed among the options, might include fluid restriction and a carefully monitored high-protein diet to help manage hepatic encephalopathy, a potential complication of cirrhosis. Each client's nutritional needs may vary, so a healthcare provider should give personalized recommendations based on the client's condition.