The nurse is planning care for a patient with liver cirrhosis and resultant ascites. What intervention should be included to ensure an adequate nutritional status for this patient?

Question

1. Ensure caloric intake of 10 to 15 calories per kg of body weight.
2. Provide small, more frequent, high-protein meals.
3. Encourage foods higher in sodium.
4. Implement a very low-fat diet.

Answer 1

2
Rationale 1: Calorie needs can vary but are estimated to be between 35 to 40 calories per kg of body weight.
Rationale 2: Nutrition therapy in cirrhosis cases should include adequate protein intake to support hepatic regeneration.
Rationale 3: Because ascites is present it is more likely that sodium will be restricted.
Rationale 4: Patients with cirrhosis may already have fat absorption deficiency due to pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. Fat is essential for the absorption of vitamins. A very low-fat diet is not indicated for this patient.