The nurse assists a patient into which position in preparation for a diagnostic thoracentesis?
Sitting upright with elbows on an over-bed table and feet supported
Sitting in bed with knees slightly flex and feet flexed
Lying flat in the fetal position on the unaffected side
Lying flat on the unaffected side with knees slightly flexed
The Correct Answer is A
A. The optimal position for a thoracentesis is sitting upright with the patient leaning forward slightly, with elbows resting on an over-bed table to help expose the pleural space for access. This position allows gravity to pull the lungs downward and facilitates easier access to the pleural cavity.
B. Sitting in bed with knees slightly flexed and feet flexed is not the best position for thoracentesis. This position might limit the ability to properly expose the thoracic cavity for the procedure.
C. Lying flat in the fetal position on the unaffected side would not allow for effective drainage or access to the pleural space and is not ideal for thoracentesis.
D. Lying flat on the unaffected side with knees slightly flexed is not ideal because it does not provide optimal positioning for the procedure. The upright position is preferred for thoracentesis to facilitate easy access to the pleural space.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A peak flow of more than 40% would indicate that the patient's asthma is not in an acute exacerbation. This patient's symptoms, such as confusion and inability to speak, suggest a severe asthma attack, and the peak flow would likely be much lower.
B. Bradycardia is not typically associated with severe asthma exacerbations. Tachycardia is more commonly observed as the body attempts to compensate for hypoxia.
C. Loud and prominent wheezing is usually seen in less severe cases of asthma. In this case, the inability to speak and confusion suggest severe respiratory distress, where wheezing might be diminished or absent due to poor air movement.
D. Deteriorating arterial blood gas (ABG) results, with low oxygen levels (hypoxemia) and elevated carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia), would be expected in a patient with severe asthma exacerbation. These signs indicate respiratory failure and the need for urgent intervention.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Hepatitis B is a viral infection and is not typically a concern for asthma patients in terms of environmental triggers.
B. Radon is a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer with long-term exposure, but it is not a common asthma trigger.
C. Mold is a common environmental allergen and asthma trigger. It can exacerbate asthma symptoms and lead to allergic reactions, so it is important for clients with asthma to avoid mold exposure.
D. Cockroaches are another common asthma trigger, and clients with asthma should avoid exposure to cockroach allergens.
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