The nurse is caring for a client who has rapidly progressing glomerular inflammation. The client's weight has increased, and urine output is steadily declining. Which action should the nurse prioritize in the plan of care?

Rationale: A. Monitoring for asterixis (a flapping tremor) is related to severe uremia in late-stage renal failure. While it may develop eventually, it is not the immediate priority when fluid overload and declining urine output are present. B. Monitoring for periorbital edema reflects fluid retention but is a localized sign. Although important, it does not capture the systemic risk associated with fluid overload, such as pulmonary edema or heart failure. C. Monitoring the client’s cardiopulmonary status is the priority action. Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis can lead to fluid retention, hypertension, and overload, which increases the risk for pulmonary edema, heart failure, and respiratory compromise. Assessing vital signs, lung sounds, oxygenation, and signs of dyspnea allows early detection of life-threatening complications and guides interventions such as fluid restriction, diuretics, or dialysis. D. Monitoring for pruritis is important in chronic kidney disease due to uremia but is not an urgent concern in rapidly progressing glomerular inflammation. It is a secondary symptom and does not pose immediate risk to life.