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 B
Explanation
A. Have the client refrain from talking for 24 hr: The client only needs to refrain from talking until the anesthesia wears off, usually within an hour. There is no need to refrain from talking for 24 hours.
B. Withhold food and liquids until the client's gag reflex returns: This is the correct action. Following a bronchoscopy, the local anesthetic used can suppress the gag reflex. It is crucial to wait until the gag reflex returns to prevent aspiration when the client eats or drinks. C. Irrigate the client's throat every 4 hr: There is no indication to irrigate the throat routinely. The priority is to ensure that the gag reflex has returned before allowing oral intake.
D. Suction the client's oropharynx frequently: Suctioning is only necessary if the client is unable to clear their secretions or has difficulty breathing. It is not a standard post-procedure intervention.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Cheyne-Stokes breathing is characterized by periods of deep breathing followed by apnea and is often associated with conditions like heart failure or brain injury, not diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
B. Acetone odor to breath is a hallmark sign of diabetic ketoacidosis. The body breaks down fats for energy, producing ketones, which are released in the breath, giving it a fruity or acetone-like odor.
C. A blood glucose level below 40 mg/dL would indicate hypoglycemia, not DKA. In DKA, blood glucose levels are typically elevated (above 250 mg/dL).
D. Malignant hypertension refers to extremely high blood pressure with organ damage, and is not directly related to diabetic ketoacidosis.
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