Final answer:
To decrease ascites in cirrhosis patients, a nurse should monitor intake and output, provide a low-sodium diet, and weigh the client daily. These measures help assess and manage fluid balance and prevent worsening of fluid accumulation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ascites is a common complication in patients with cirrhosis of the liver, and managing it effectively is vital for improving the patient’s quality of life. To decrease the presence of ascites, a nurse should primarily focus on three things: monitoring intake and output, providing a low-sodium diet, and weighing the client daily.
Monitoring intake and output helps in assessing the fluid balance and can be critical in medical management. Providing a low-sodium diet is essential as sodium retention can worsen fluid accumulation in the abdomen. Although not listed as an option in the question, instructing the patient to limit oral fluid intake can also be a part of the management, contrary to increasing it. Lastly, weighing the client daily is important for monitoring any rapid weight changes due to fluid accumulation or loss.
In general, managing ascites may involve diuretics and other medications, but these actions listed can be directly applied by a nurse as part of daily care. In health-care settings, reducing transmission of infectious complications like HBV can further protect the liver and support overall health management in patients with hepatic conditions.