As a nurse, you are reviewing the orders and planning initial steps for caring for the same patient.
Which interventions should you perform?

Choice A rationale

Limiting activity for a day or two after returning home is a correct understanding. After a thoracentesis, it’s recommended to limit activity for a day or two to allow the body to recover.

Choice B rationale

Anticipating a stinging feeling during needle insertion is a correct understanding. The patient will feel a stinging sensation when the local anesthetic is injected.

Choice C rationale

Preparing to sit forward with arms propped on a table is a correct understanding. This position helps to expand the space between the ribs, making it easier for the doctor to access the pleural space.

Choice D rationale

Expecting a persistent cough after the procedure indicates a need for additional education. While a mild cough immediately after the procedure is normal, a persistent cough could indicate a complication such as a pneumothorax.

Choice A rationale

While securing the room with padded walls and minimal furnishings is an important aspect of seclusion, it is not the most important intervention immediately after seclusion. The safety of the client is paramount, and observing for extrapyramidal symptoms, such as dystonia, is crucial as haloperidol, an antipsychotic medication known to have the potential for causing extrapyramidal side effects, was administered.

Choice B rationale

Releasing the client as soon as composure is regained is not the most important intervention. The client’s mental and physical health needs to be continuously monitored, especially for side effects of the medication administered.

Choice C rationale

Providing one-on-one observation at all times is important, but it is not the most important intervention immediately after seclusion. The priority is to monitor for any adverse effects of the medication administered.

Choice D rationale

Observing for extrapyramidal symptoms, such as dystonia, is the most important intervention immediately after seclusion because haloperidol is an antipsychotic medication known to have the potential for causing extrapyramidal side effects.