For a client with Addison's disease at risk for dehydration, which nursing intervention is appropriate to prevent dehydration?

• A. Maintaining a low-sodium diet
• B. Monitoring intake and output
• C. Encouraging an intake of at least 3000 mL/day
• D. Encouraging an intake of low-protein foods

Answer: (B)

Fluid balance is the central idea here because Addison’s disease causes loss of sodium and water, putting the client at high risk for dehydration. The best nursing intervention is to monitor intake and output. By routinely tracking what fluids are ingested and what is eliminated, you get real-time data on the patient’s hydration status and can detect early dehydration or ongoing losses. This information guides timely adjustments in oral fluids, intravenous therapy, or electrolyte management and helps prevent dehydration from worsening.

A fixed fluid goal without assessing actual needs isn’t as reliable, since individual requirements vary with activity, temperature, illness, and adrenal insufficiency. A low-sodium diet would actually worsen dehydration in Addison’s disease, which often involves sodium wasting. Encouraging a high-fluid intake without context may lead to inappropriate volume changes, and focusing on low-protein foods does not address hydration at all.