A client is placed on fluid restriction because of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Which assessment finding would alert the nurse that the client's fluid balance is stable at this time?

Rationale: A. Increased edema in the legs indicates fluid retention, meaning the client’s fluid balance is not stable. Edema is a common sign of volume overload in clients with CKD who are not effectively maintaining fluid restriction. B. Calcium levels reflect mineral and bone metabolism, not immediate fluid balance. Low calcium is common in CKD due to impaired vitamin D activation but does not indicate fluid stability. C. The absence of adventitious lung sounds (such as crackles or rales) indicates that fluid has not accumulated in the lungs, suggesting stable fluid balance. In CKD, fluid overload can quickly lead to pulmonary edema, so clear lung sounds are an important clinical indicator that the client is maintaining appropriate fluid levels. D. Increased phosphorus levels are related to decreased renal excretion of phosphate in CKD but do not reflect fluid balance.