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?
Compare the clients current weight with preprocedure weight.
Examine for leakage at the site of the procedure.
Check the client’s serum albumin levels.
Confirm that the client is able to urinate.
The Correct Answer is 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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","E"]
Explanation
A urine culture is indicated for the client who has lower back pain and pinkish vaginal discharge, as these symptoms may suggest a urinary tract infection (UTI). A urine culture can identify the causative organism and guide the appropriate antibiotic therapy.
Phenazopyridine is a urinary analgesic that can relieve pain, burning, and urgency associated with a UTI. However, it requires a provider prescription and should not be used for more than two days.
A vaginal culture is not necessary for this client, as the vaginal discharge is likely due to the cervical changes during labor. A vaginal culture may be indicated for clients who have signs of vaginitis, such as itching, odor, or abnormal color of the discharge.
Obtaining a provider prescription for antibiotics is premature for this client, as the urine culture results are not available yet. Antibiotics should be prescribed based on the sensitivity of the organism causing the UTI.
Ibuprofen 600 mg every 6 hr for mild to moderate pain is not appropriate for this client, as it may interfere with uterine contractions and prolong labor. Ibuprofen is also contraindicated in the third trimester of pregnancy due to the risk of premature closure of the ductus arteriosus in the fetus. The nurse should use nonpharmacological methods to relieve the client’s back pain, such as massage, heat, or position changes.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A thoracentesis is a procedure that involves inserting a needle into the pleural space to remove excess fluid or air. Coughing can increase the risk of pneumothorax (collapsed lung) or bleeding during the procedure.
Choice B is wrong because the client does not need to be NPO (nothing by mouth) for 6 hr prior to the procedure. There is no risk of aspiration during a thoracentesis.
Choice C is wrong because the client should be positioned on the unaffected side for 4 hr following the procedure. This allows the affected lung to re-expand and prevents fluid from accumulating in the pleural space again.
Choice D is wrong because the client should not be placed in the prone position during the procedure. The prone position makes it difficult to access the pleural space and can compromise breathing.
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