Final answer:
After thoracentesis, a nurse should expect a reduction in dyspnea, which is difficulty breathing, one of the common symptoms in advanced cancer patients with lung-related issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
After undergoing thoracentesis, a procedure that removes fluid from the space between the lungs and the chest wall, a nurse should expect a reduction in dyspnea. Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is a common symptom in advanced cancer patients, particularly those with lung-related conditions such as pleural effusion or lung tumors. Thoracentesis is performed to alleviate this symptom, among others. It would not directly affect hemoptysis (coughing up blood), mucus production, or dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), which are also potential symptoms of cancer but are not primarily caused by the fluid accumulation that thoracentesis addresses.