In the oliguric phase of acute renal failure, which action is most appropriate?

• A. Limiting fluid intake
• B. Encouraging high-protein diet
• C. Increasing fluids
• D. Elevating leg elevation

Answer: (A)

In the oliguric phase, urine production is very low, so the kidneys can’t excrete excess fluid. The main goal is to prevent fluid overload and its complications, such as edema and hypertension, by limiting fluid intake to match what the body loses and what is not being excreted. This helps protect the heart and lungs from excess fluid.

A high-protein diet would raise nitrogenous waste that the injured kidneys struggle to clear, worsening uremia. Encouraging more fluids would worsen fluid overload since little urine is being produced. Elevating the legs can help with edema, but it doesn’t address the overall fluid balance and isn’t the primary management in this phase.