A nurse is caring for a client who has cirrhosis of the liver with ascites. Which of following interventions should the nurse take?

A. Increase fluid intake: Increasing fluids may worsen ascites because cirrhosis already causes fluid retention due to portal hypertension and decreased albumin. Clients may also have dilutional hyponatremia, making fluid limitation more appropriate. B. Increase daily calorie intake: Clients with cirrhosis are often malnourished due to altered metabolism and reduced nutrient storage. Increased calories help maintain muscle mass, support healing, and prevent complications such as muscle wasting and weakness. C. Increase foods high in sodium: Sodium contributes to fluid retention and will worsen ascites, edema, and portal hypertension. Clients with ascites are typically placed on a low-sodium diet (usually 2 grams/day or less). D. Restrict foods high in protein: Protein restriction used to be recommended, but it is now known to worsen malnutrition. Protein is only restricted in cases of severe hepatic encephalopathy; otherwise, normal to high protein intake is needed.