In managing ascites due to liver dysfunction, which monitoring measures are essential?

• A. I&O, abdominal girth, and daily weight
• B. Respiratory rate monitoring every 2 hours
• C. Neurological checks every 12 hours
• D. Urinary sodium measurement only

Answer: (A)

Monitoring fluid status is the key in ascites management. The best way to gauge how well therapy is working and when to intervene is to track intake and output, abdominal girth, and daily weight. I&O gives a direct view of fluid balance and helps tailor diuretic therapy; daily weight is the most sensitive indicator of net fluid gain or loss and often changes before visible edema. Abdominal girth provides a concrete measure of ascites volume and helps you see trends over time, guiding decisions about diuresis or paracentesis. Together, these measures give a clear, ongoing picture of fluid status and response to treatment. Other monitoring like frequent respiratory rate checks, neurological exams, or urinary sodium alone may be important in related issues, but they don’t offer the same integrated view of fluid balance and ascites progression as the trio above.