What it means
Fluid that collects inside the belly, outside the bowel. A large amount makes the belly swell and feel tight, and can push up on the lungs and make breathing hard. The most common cause is liver cirrhosis; heart failure, kidney disease and cancer can also cause it. Removing fluid with a needle is called a paracentesis.
For the nurse
Measure the abdominal girth at the same place each day (mark the skin) and weigh the client daily. Raise the head of the bed to ease breathing. Teach a low-sodium diet if ordered.
In a chart
"Abdominal girth 108 cm, up 3 cm from yesterday; abdomen tense."
At a glance
| Spanish | ascitis |
|---|---|
| Also written | ascitic |
Related terms
edema
Swelling caused by extra fluid trapped in the body's tissues.
overload
More of something than the body can handle; in nursing, most often too much fluid in the circulation.
distention
Swelling or stretching of a body part from pressure inside it.