Question

A client with ascites has a paracentesis, and 1500 ml of fluid is removed. for which immediate response is it most important for the nurse to monitor?

Answer 1

The answer is Hypovolemic shock

The nurse is removing 1500ml of fluid from the ascites by doing paracentesis. Blood volume of an adult would be around 5 liters so the fluid would be around 30% of the total blood volume. If the fluid is not replaced, the patient will be at risk of hypovolemic shock as they lose high amount of fluid.