For a client in the oliguric phase of acute renal failure (ARF), which nursing intervention is most important?

For a client in the oliguric phase of acute renal failure (ARF), which nursing intervention is most important?

• A. Limiting fluid intake
• B. Increasing salt intake
• C. Encouraging vigorous exercise
• D. Providing unrestricted fluids

Answer: (A)

In the oliguric phase, urine output falls dramatically because the kidneys aren’t excreting fluids effectively. The main concern is fluid retention, which can lead to edema, hypertension, and pulmonary edema. Therefore the nursing priority is to limit fluid intake to match urine output plus a small allowance for insensible losses (often estimated around 600 mL per day). This helps prevent dangerous fluid overload while still meeting essential needs. Increasing salt intake would worsen fluid retention and edema. Encouraging vigorous exercise is inappropriate and unsafe for someone with ARF and low urine output. Providing unrestricted fluids would directly risk fluid overload.

In the oliguric phase, urine output falls dramatically because the kidneys aren’t excreting fluids effectively. The main concern is fluid retention, which can lead to edema, hypertension, and pulmonary edema. Therefore the nursing priority is to limit fluid intake to match urine output plus a small allowance for insensible losses (often estimated around 600 mL per day). This helps prevent dangerous fluid overload while still meeting essential needs.

Increasing salt intake would worsen fluid retention and edema. Encouraging vigorous exercise is inappropriate and unsafe for someone with ARF and low urine output. Providing unrestricted fluids would directly risk fluid overload.