Question

To prepare a 56-year-old male patient with ascites for paracentesis, the nurse a. places the patient on NPO status. b. assists the patient to lie flat in bed. c. asks the patient to empty the bladder. d. positions the patient on the right side."

Answer 1

The nurse positions the patient on the right side for paracentesis and may ask the patient to empty the bladder. Placing the patient on NPO status or assisting them to lie flat in bed is not required.

Step-by-step explanation:

To prepare a 56-year-old male patient with ascites for paracentesis, the nurse positions the patient on the right side. This position helps improve access to the abdominal cavity and allows for easier insertion of the needle. Placing the patient on the right side also helps prevent injury to the underlying organs during the procedure.

Additionally, the nurse may ask the patient to empty the bladder before paracentesis to prevent discomfort and minimize the risk of accidental puncture. However, placing the patient on NPO (nothing by mouth) status or assisting the patient to lie flat in bed are not necessary for paracentesis preparation.

Learn more about Paracentesis