A client with cirrhosis is experiencing ascites. Which dietary instruction should the nurse provide?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Consume a low-sodium diet. Ascites in cirrhosis is often due to fluid retention caused by impaired liver function. A low-sodium diet helps to reduce fluid buildup in the body, alleviating ascites. Increasing protein intake (A) may worsen ascites by increasing fluid retention. Limiting fluid intake (B) can lead to dehydration, exacerbating the condition. Taking a daily multivitamin (D) may be beneficial for overall health but does not directly address ascites.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L. High potassium levels in ESRD patients can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Immediate action is needed to prevent complications. A: Weight gain may indicate fluid retention, but it's not an immediate concern. B: Blood pressure is elevated but not an urgent issue. D: Hemoglobin level of 10 g/dL is within the acceptable range for ESRD patients and does not require immediate action.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because bending down to tie shoes after only 2 weeks post total hip replacement can put strain on the hip joint and increase the risk of dislocation. The client should avoid bending past 90 degrees to protect the new hip joint. Choices A, B, and C are all correct statements as they promote hip joint protection and reduce the risk of complications.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Assessing for signs of bleeding. This is the priority assessment because heparin therapy increases the risk of bleeding. Signs of bleeding include bruising, petechiae, blood in urine or stool, and excessive bleeding from wounds. Monitoring blood pressure (A) is important but not the priority in this situation. Checking aPTT (B) is important for evaluating the effectiveness of heparin therapy but does not take precedence over assessing for bleeding. Measuring calf circumference (D) is used to detect changes in calf size due to DVT but is not the priority assessment while the client is on heparin therapy.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes. This is characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis due to the inflammatory nature of the disease. The prolonged morning stiffness is a hallmark feature, reflecting the systemic inflammation present in rheumatoid arthritis. This symptom is not typically seen in osteoarthritis, which rules out options A and B. Pain that worsens with activity is more indicative of osteoarthritis as opposed to rheumatoid arthritis, making option D incorrect.