Question

A nurse is planning care for a client who is scheduled for a thoracentesis. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?

a) Encourage deep breathing and coughing post-procedure
b) Administer pain medication before the procedure
c) Keep the client in a supine position during the procedure
d) Restrict fluid intake 24 hours before the procedure

Answer 1

In preparation for a thoracentesis, a nurse should encourage deep breathing and coughing after the procedure to aid in recovery and prevent complications. Administering pain medication may also be necessary prior to the procedure for comfort.

Step-by-step explanation:

When planning care for a client who is scheduled for a thoracentesis, the nurse should consider various interventions to ensure the procedure is as smooth and safe as possible. One key intervention is encouraging deep breathing and coughing post-procedure. This helps to assist with gas and nutrient exchange and also prevents the diffusion of fluid into the interstitial space, which can be a risk after the fluid is removed from the thoracic cavity.

Additionally, it might be necessary to administer pain medication before the procedure to help manage discomfort, as thoracentesis can be painful. It is crucial to note that keeping the client in a supine position during the procedure is not recommended; instead, they are typically positioned sitting up with arms resting on a table to allow access to the pleural space. Lastly, there is no need to restrict fluid intake 24 hours before the procedure unless specifically instructed by the surgeon or anesthesiologist.