The nurse is administering a diuretic to a client with ascites secondary to cirrhosis of the liver.The nurse measures which of the following for optimal evaluation of effectiveness of drug therapy?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Intake, output, and daily weight are the most appropriate measures for evaluating the effectiveness of diuretics in clients with ascites. The diuretic therapy is intended to increase urine output and reduce fluid retention, which is reflected in monitoring intake, output, and weight. Abdominal girth, blood pressure, breath sounds, and liver function studies are also important assessments, but they are not the best measures for evaluating the effectiveness of diuretic therapy in this situation.

The Nurse Is Administering a Diuretic to a Client with Ascites