Question

The nurse evaluates the effectiveness of a paracentesis in a patient who has ascites. Which measurement is most important for the nurse to note?

1) Cardiac output
2) Temperature
3) Abdominal girth
4) Intake and output

Answer 1

The nurse should note the measurement of abdominal girth as the most important when evaluating the effectiveness of a paracentesis procedure in a patient with ascites.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should note the measurement of abdominal girth as the most important when evaluating the effectiveness of paracentesis in a patient with ascites.

Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, which causes the abdomen to become distended. Paracentesis is a procedure in which a needle is used to remove the excess fluid.

By measuring the abdominal girth before and after the paracentesis, the nurse can assess the reduction in fluid volume and determine the effectiveness of the procedure.