The nurse is preparing a client for paracentesis what should the nurse do

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Ascites is the excessive accumulation of extracellular fluid within the peritoneal cavity, which usually develops as a result of cirrhosis of the liver. Paracentesis is the procedure for removing ascitic fluid from the transabdominal peritoneal cavity via a temporary ascitic drain. This article aims to support nurses in providing safe and effective care for patients undergoing paracentesis. • Paracentesis is used to reduce intra-abdominal pressure and to relieve the symptoms of abdominal ascites, such as severe abdominal distention, pain and dyspnoea (difficulty breathing). The removal of at least 5L of ascitic fluid is considered large-volume paracentesis.• The role of the nurse is usually to monitor the patient throughout the procedure, administer treatment as directed by the medical team and, depending on local policy, remove the drain at the end of the procedure.• Knowledge of the benefits and risks of this procedure is essential to provide safe, evidence-based care for patients undergoing paracentesis. REFLECTIVE ACTIVITY: 'How to' articles can help to update your practice and ensure it remains evidence-based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of: 1. How reading this article will change your practice in caring for patients undergoing paracentesis.2. How this article could be used to educate patients who are due to undergo paracentesis.

Keywords: abdominal pain; ascites; clinical skills; gastrointestinal; nursing care; pain.

© 2019 RCN Publishing Company Ltd. All rights reserved. Not to be copied, transmitted or recorded in any way, in whole or part, without prior permission of the publishers.

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The nurse is preparing a client for paracentesis. Which of the following activities should the nurse complete in preparation for this test?

a) Have the client void before the procedure.

b) Prepare the client’s abdomen with Betadine solution.

c) Position the client supine.

d) Put the client on nothing-by-mouth (NPO) status 4 hours before the procedure.

Answer: a

Before paracentesis, the client is asked to void. This is done to collapse the bladder and decrease the risk of accidental bladder perforation. The abdomen is not prepared with Betadine. The client is placed in a Fowler’s position. The client does not need to be put on NPO status before the procedure.

— 9 years ago with 1 note