Explanation

The client's symptoms (increasing abdominal girth, shortness of breath due to pressure on the diaphragm, shifting dullness) are characteristic of ascites, the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, a common complication of cirrhosis. Paracentesis, the removal of ascitic fluid via a needle inserted into the abdomen, provides symptomatic relief, particularly for respiratory distress caused by diaphragmatic compression.

Administering albumin may be done concurrently or after paracentesis to help maintain intravascular volume, but it doesn't directly remove the existing ascitic fluid causing the acute symptoms. Frequent ambulation is generally encouraged for mobility but is difficult and potentially contraindicated with significant ascites and respiratory compromise. Applying an abdominal binder tightly could increase intra-abdominal pressure and worsen respiratory distress; binders are sometimes used for support but not tightly applied for this purpose.