Which assessment finding would indicate that a patient's ascites is improving?
Explanation
• Increased urine output indicates that the ascitic fluid is being absorbed into the circulation and then excreted.
• Peripheral edema should decrease as ascites resolves.
• Ascites, the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, increases abdominal girth and can also inhibit the movement of the diaphragm, resulting in difficulty breathing. As it resolves, breathing eases.
• Abdominal skin should become less shiny.
• Lower fluid volume should cause the pulse rate to slow, not to increase.