Final answer:
The best daily measurement to indicate the amount of fluid retention is the daily weight of a client. It should be measured consistently at the same time and conditions daily. Other methods such as urine osmolality and specific gravity provide more specific kidney function assessments.
Step-by-step explanation:
The daily measurement that best indicates the amount of fluid a client is retaining is the daily weight. One of the most direct methods for detecting changes in fluid volume is to measure a person's weight at the same time each day, using the same scale, and under the same conditions. This provides a consistent reference to identify fluctuations that may be due to fluid retention or loss. While measuring fluid intake and output can provide some insights, daily weight monitoring is a simpler and more reliable measure for detecting fluid retention.
Other methods such as the urine osmolality test and the specific gravity of urine can provide additional information regarding the kidney's ability to concentrate or dilute urine, which can reflect changes in body water balance. However, these tests are more specific and are used in clinical settings to assess kidney function rather than daily monitoring of fluid retention.