A nurse is caring for a patient with fluid overload due to heart failure. Which action should the nurse prioritize?

Fluid overload in heart failure is caused by reduced cardiac output, activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and increased sodium and water retention, leading to elevated venous pressures, pulmonary congestion, and peripheral edema due to excess intravascular and interstitial fluid accumulation. Rationale: A. Reducing sodium intake helps prevent further fluid retention but is a long-term supportive measure. It does not provide immediate relief of existing fluid overload or pulmonary congestion. Therefore, it is not the priority acute intervention. B. Monitoring electrolyte levels is important during diuretic therapy but does not directly treat fluid overload. It is an adjunctive assessment rather than an immediate therapeutic action for volume reduction. C. Encouraging increased fluid intake worsens fluid overload by increasing intravascular volume and venous pressure. In heart failure, fluid restriction is typically required, not fluid promotion. D. Administration of diuretics reduces excess intravascular volume by promoting renal excretion of sodium and water. Monitoring urine output ensures therapeutic effectiveness and prevents complications such as hypovolemia or renal impairment. This is the priority intervention.