Question

A nurse is preparing a client for a paracentesis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Option 1: Instruct the client to void.

Option 2: Position the client on their left side.

Option 3: Insert an IV catheter.

Option 4: Prepare the client for moderate (conscious) sedation.

Answer 1

The correct action for the nurse when preparing a client for a paracentesis is to instruct the client to void to reduce the risk of bladder injury and provide more space in the abdomen for the procedure.

Step-by-step explanation:

When preparing a client for a paracentesis, the nurse should take several important steps to ensure the procedure is safe and comfortable for the patient. One vital action is to instruct the client to void before the procedure. This is to reduce the risk of bladder injury during the paracentesis as the needle could puncture the bladder if it is full. Additionally, this helps to provide more space in the abdominal cavity for the procedure. Option 1 is therefore the correct action the nurse should take.

Positioning the client on their left side (Option 2) is not typically recommended for paracentesis. The preferred position is usually having the client sit upright to allow fluid to accumulate at the lowest point in the abdomen. An IV catheter (Option 3) may not be necessary unless there are specific indications for it. While moderate (conscious) sedation (Option 4) might be used in some cases, it is not a standard action for a typical paracentesis and would depend on the physician's orders and patient needs.