Question

The nurse provides teaching for a patient who is scheduled for a bedside thoracentesis. Which does the nurse explain as the primary purpose of the procedure?

A. Determining the stage of a lung tumor
B. Directly inspecting and examining the pleural space
C. Obtaining a specimen of pleural tissue for evaluation
D. Relieving an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space

Answer 1

A bedside thoracentesis is primarily used to relieve an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, thereby improving breathing and reducing chest pain.

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary purpose of a bedside thoracentesis procedure is to relieve an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space. This fluid buildup can cause shortness of breath and chest pain due to the pressure it puts on the lungs, hindering proper lung expansion during breathing. This procedure involves using a needle to drain excess fluid from the pleural space, the area between the lungs and the chest wall. By removing the fluid, the procedure aims to improve breathing and relieve symptoms caused by fluid buildup, such as shortness of breath and chest pain. The thoracentesis procedure involves inserting a needle through the chest wall into the pleural space to drain the excess fluid, which helps restore normal breathing and relieves discomfort.