A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for an abdominal paracentesis.
The nurse should plan to take which of the following actions?
Assist the client in the left lateral position during the procedure.
Administer a stool softener following the procedure.
Instruct the client to take deep breaths and hold them during the procedure.
Ask the client to empty his bladder prior to the procedure.
The Correct Answer is D
The nurse should ask the client to empty his bladder prior to the procedure.
This is important because a full bladder can obstruct the area where the needle will be inserted and increase the risk of bladder injury during the procedure.
Choice A is incorrect because the client should be positioned sitting upright or lying in bed with the head of the bed elevated during the procedure.
Choice B is incorrect because administering a stool softener is not necessary following an abdominal paracentesis.
Choice C is incorrect because the client should be instructed to exhale and hold their breath during needle insertion to help move the diaphragm upward and away from the area where the needle will be inserted.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation

The priority topic for the nurse to review with the client is monitoring changes in weight.
A sudden weight gain may mean that the client’s heart failure is getting worse and they should call their doctor if they have a sudden weight gain, such as more than 2 to 3 pounds in a day or 5 pounds in a week.
Choice A is wrong because while daily exercise is important for overall health, it is not the priority topic for the nurse to review with the client.
Choice B is wrong because while daily sodium restrictions are important for managing heart failure, it is not the priority topic for the nurse to review with the client.
Choice C is wrong because while monitoring fluid intake is important for managing heart failure, it is not the priority topic for the nurse to review with the client.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The client’s ABG results show a pH of 7.24, which is below the normal range of 7.35-7.45 and indicates acidosis.
The PaCO2 is within the normal range of 35-45 mm Hg, indicating that the acidosis is not caused by a respiratory issue.
The HCO3 level is 18 mEq/L, which is below the normal range of 22-28 mEq/L and indicates a primary metabolic cause for acidosis.
Respiratory acidosis is not indicated by the ABG results as the PaCO2 is within the normal range.
B) Metabolic alkalosis is not indicated by the ABG results as the pH and HCO3 levels are below their respective normal ranges.
C) Respiratory alkalosis is not indicated by the ABG results as the pH is below the normal range and the PaCO2 is within the normal range.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
