Question

A nurse is preparing to assist with a thoracentesis for a client who has pleurisy. The nurse should plan to perform which of the following actions? A. Administer a bowel preparation the night before the procedure B. Place the client on bed rest for 24 hours after the procedure C. Perform pulmonary function tests following the procedure D. Instruct the client to avoid coughing during the procedure

Answer 1

For a thoracentesis procedure, the nurse should instruct the client to avoid coughing during the procedure to ensure safety and effectiveness. Other mentioned actions are not standard practice for preparing for or recovering from a thoracentesis.

Step-by-step explanation:

A thoracentesis is a medical procedure where a needle is inserted into the pleural space, the area between the lungs and the chest wall, to remove fluid for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. When assisting with a thoracentesis for a client who has pleurisy, which is inflammation of the tissues that line the lungs and chest cavity, the nurse should plan to do the following:

• Instruct the client to avoid coughing during the procedure

Coughing during a thoracentesis could disturb the needle position, potentially leading to injury or incomplete fluid removal. Thus, advising the client to avoid coughing is essential for a safe and effective procedure. Some other considerations for a thoracentesis involve explaining the procedure to the client, obtaining informed consent, and monitoring the patient for complications afterward. However, actions like administering a bowel preparation, placing the client on bed rest for 24 hours after the procedure, or performing pulmonary function tests following the procedure are typically not associated with preparing for or recovering from a thoracentesis.