A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving hemodialysis. Which of the following client measurements should the nurse compare before and after dialysis treatment to determine fluid losses?

A. Blood pressure: Blood pressure can be affected by fluid shifts during dialysis, but it is influenced by multiple factors including medications, vascular tone, and cardiac function. While it provides some information, it is not the most precise indicator of fluid removal. B. Neck vein distention: Jugular vein distention may reflect fluid overload or right-sided heart pressure, but it is a qualitative assessment and can vary with client positioning. It does not provide an exact measure of fluid loss. C. Abdominal girth: Abdominal girth may indicate ascites or fluid accumulation over time, but changes are gradual and not sensitive enough to measure fluid removed during a single dialysis session. D. Body weight: Measuring the client’s body weight before and after hemodialysis provides a precise quantitative assessment of fluid loss. The difference reflects the amount of fluid removed, making it the most reliable indicator for monitoring fluid balance during dialysis.