For a patient in the oliguric phase of acute renal failure, which nursing intervention is most important?

• A. Encouraging coughing and deep breathing
• B. Promoting carbohydrate intake
• C. Limiting fluid intake
• D. Providing pain-relief measures

Answer: (C)

In the oliguric phase of acute renal failure, the kidneys sharply reduce urine output, so the body can’t excrete excess fluid. Any fluid taken in tends to accumulate, leading to edema, high blood pressure, and potential congestive heart or pulmonary edema. Limiting fluid intake directly addresses this dangerous fluid balance, helping prevent overload while kidney function may recover. The nurse should enforce a prescribed fluid allowance, monitor intake and output, and watch for weight changes as a concrete sign of fluid status. Other measures like coughing and deep breathing, or general comfort goals such as carbohydrate intake or pain relief, don’t tackle the key risk in this phase as effectively as fluid restriction does.