What will the nurse use to accurately assess the fluid status of a patient with ascites?
1. Abdominal percussion
2. Daily weights
3. Measurement of abdominal girth
4. Presence of peripheral edema
2
Rationale 1: Abdominal percussion may be difficult and inaccurate in obese patients.
Rationale 2: Daily weights are accurate and objective indicators of fluid gain and loss and are directly related to sodium balance. A weight gain of 1 kg is equivalent to the retention of 1 liter of fluid.
Rationale 3: The measurement of abdominal girth is subjective and often inaccurate.
Rationale 4: The presence of peripheral edema is subjective and often inaccurate.
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