Which of the following is a primary consideration when caring for a client with liver failure?

When caring for a client with liver failure, preventing fluid overload is a primary consideration due to the liver’s crucial role in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance within the body. In liver failure, there are often alterations in the production of proteins, such as albumin, which are essential for maintaining oncotic pressure. A deficiency in albumin can lead to fluid leaking into the interstitial spaces, causing edema and potentially leading to ascites.

In addition, liver failure can disrupt normal filtration of blood, leading to fluid retention. Therefore, vigilant monitoring of fluid intake and output, as well as careful administration of intravenous fluids, becomes critical to prevent complications associated with fluid overload, such as hypertension and respiratory distress from pulmonary edema.

While monitoring for signs of respiratory distress, ensuring skin integrity, and maintaining electrolyte balance are all important aspects of care, they are secondary considerations when compared to the immediate need to manage and prevent fluid overload, which directly stems from the impaired hepatic function in liver failure. Hence, the priority is to mitigate any excess fluid retention, making fluid overload prevention essential in the management of clients with liver failure.