Final answer:
A nurse should review safety protocols before a thoracentesis, including confirming the procedure, ensuring all instruments are accounted for, checking specimen labels, and addressing any equipment issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse preparing to assist with a thoracentesis should ensure a number of safety and verification steps have been followed. These assist the medical team in providing safe and organized care to the patient with pleurisy.
First and foremost, the nurse should verify the procedure with the medical team by stating the name of the procedure as recorded, ensuring clear communication.
Next, the nurse should confirm that the needle, sponge, and instrument counts are either complete or deemed not applicable. This is crucial for maintaining strict safety protocols and ensuring that no foreign objects are left inside the patient's body post-procedure.
Another important task is to verify that any specimen collected during the thoracentesis is properly labeled with the patient's name and other relevant information. This step is vital for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Lastly, the nurse should report any issues with equipment to the team to address them before the procedure begins.