A nurse is caring for a client who has end-stage liver disease and is undergoing a paracentesis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure?

The correct answer is choice A. Comparing the client’s current weight with preprocedure weight is the best way to evaluate the effectiveness of the paracentesis, which is a procedure to remove excess fluid from the abdominal cavity. The fluid buildup, or ascites, is a common complication of end-stage liver disease (ESLD), which is a condition in which the liver is severely damaged and cannot function adequately.

Choice B is wrong because examining for leakage at the site of the procedure is not a measure of effectiveness, but a potential complication that should be monitored and reported.

Choice C is wrong because checking the client’s serum albumin levels is not relevant to the paracentesis.

Albumin is a protein that helps maintain fluid balance in the body, but it is not affected by the removal of fluid from the abdomen.

Choice D is wrong because confirming that the client is able to urinate is not related to the paracentesis.

Urination is a function of the kidneys, not the liver, and it does not reflect the amount of fluid removed from the abdomen.

The correct answer is choice D. Sit with the client to provide a sense of security.

A client who is experiencing a panic attack has a very high level of anxiety and a diminished ability to focus.

The nurse should stay with the client and remain calm and reassuring during the panic attack. This can help the client feel safe and supported, and reduce the intensity of the anxiety.

Choice A is wrong because atomoxetine is not an anti-anxiety medication, but a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It has no effect on reducing anxiety and can cause side effects such as insomnia, nausea, and increased blood pressure.

Choice B is wrong because encouraging the client to watch television is not a therapeutic intervention for a panic attack.

Watching television can increase the stimuli in the client’s environment, which can worsen the anxiety.

The nurse should maintain an environment with low stimulation for the client experiencing a panic attack. Dim lighting, few people, and minimal distractions can assist the nurse to decrease the client’s level of anxiety.

Choice C is wrong because teaching the client how to meditate is not appropriate during a panic attack.

Meditation is a relaxation technique that can be helpful for preventing or reducing anxiety, but it requires concentration and focus, which are impaired in a panic attack. The nurse should teach the client how to meditate when the client is calm and receptive, not when the client is in crisis.