A nurse is assisting with a diagnostic paracentesis for a client with suspected peritonitis. The nurse understands that this procedure involves:
Removal of fluid from the pleural cavity
Removal of fluid from the pericardial sac
Removal of fluid from the peritoneal cavity
Removal of fluid from the spinal canal
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Removal of fluid from the pleural cavity would be a thoracentesis, not a paracentesis.
Choice B reason:
Removal of fluid from the pericardial sac would be a pericardiocentesis, not a paracentesis.
Choice C reason:
A diagnostic paracentesis involves removing fluid from the peritoneal cavity to analyze for signs of infection and inflammation, which is important in diagnosing peritonitis.
Choice D reason:
Removal of fluid from the spinal canal would be a lumbar puncture, not a paracentesis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Abdominal distension and decreased bowel sounds are classic signs of paralytic ileus, a common complication of peritonitis.
Choice B reason:
Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and may cause diarrhea and abdominal pain but is not related to the specific symptoms described.
Choice C reason:
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix and is not related to abdominal distension and decreased bowel sounds.
Choice D reason:
Constipation may cause abdominal distension, but decreased bowel sounds are not characteristic of constipation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is used to assess the electrical activity of the heart, not the abdomen.
Choice B reason:
An abdominal X-ray provides a basic overview of the abdomen but may not offer detailed images of the peritoneal organs and structures.
Choice C reason:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide high-resolution images of the abdominal organs and structures, including the peritoneum, making it a valuable diagnostic tool for suspected peritonitis.
Choice D reason:
Ultrasonography can provide images of the abdominal organs, but it may not offer the level of detail provided by MRI in assessing peritonitis.
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