The nurse is preparing a client for an outpatient thoracentesis. Which statement made by the client should the nurse recognize as needing additional education?

Anticipate a stinging feeling during needle insertion.

Prepare to sit forward with arms propped on a table.

Expect a persistent cough after the procedure.

Limit activity for a day or two after returning home.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Rationale

A. During a thoracentesis, a needle is inserted through the chest wall into the pleural space to remove fluid or air. It's common for clients to feel a stinging sensation or discomfort during needle insertion. The nurse should confirm this understanding with the client and reassure them that local anesthesia will be used to minimize discomfort.

B. The positioning described (sitting forward with arms propped on a table) helps to expand the intercostal spaces and facilitates easier access to the pleural space during the procedure. The nurse should reinforce this position as appropriate for the thoracentesis procedure.

C. This statement is incorrect and would indicate a need for additional education. A persistent cough is not an expected outcome after a thoracentesis. While some clients may experience a mild cough during or immediately after the procedure due to irritation from the needle or local anesthesia, it should not persist afterwards.

D. This statement is generally correct. After a thoracentesis, it is recommended to limit strenuous activity and avoid heavy lifting for a day or two to minimize the risk of complications such as discomfort or injury at the needle insertion site. The nurse should support this instruction as part of the client's post-procedure care.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is []

Explanation

Potential condition: Opioid-induced constipation

Actions to take

Administer a stool softener: Opioids commonly cause constipation by slowing down bowel motility and increasing water absorption in the intestines. A stool softener can help by adding moisture to the stool, making it easier to pass.

Ask the client about their normal bowel routine: Understanding the client's typical bowel habits can provide insights into any deviations caused by the surgery or medication.

Parameters to monitor

Fluid intake: Monitoring the client's fluid intake is crucial as adequate hydration helps maintain bowel function and prevents constipation.

Serum potassium level: Constipation, especially if severe or prolonged, can lead to electrolyte imbalances such as hypokalemia (low potassium levels), which can have serious health implications.

A. Soft abdomen, absent bowel sounds, no bleeding on dressing. B. History of vomiting at home for 3 days prior to surgery. C. Peripheral pulses present with full range of motion of both legs. D. Declining to take ice chips despite reporting of dry mouth.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. This information is crucial as it provides insight into the client's abdominal assessment post- laparotomy. A soft abdomen with absent bowel sounds suggests normal bowel function has not yet returned, which is common after abdominal surgery. However, this does not have immediate postoperative implications.

B. A history of vomiting prior to surgery could indicate a gastrointestinal issue that may impact the client’s recovery or increase the risk of complications such as nausea and vomiting postoperatively.However, this history may not immediately affect the current postoperative care as much as some other findings (such as changes in bowel sounds or bleeding) in the acute postoperative period.

C. This information provides reassurance regarding circulation and mobility of the lower extremities. However, it may not be as urgent to report immediately unless there were concerns during surgery or potential complications related to positioning or circulation.

D.This should be reported to ensure that the client is receiving proper hydration and that their hydration status is carefully monitored. It’s especially important to monitor for dehydration or difficulties with oral intake following surgery.

View Question and Answer

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

The nurse is preparing a client for an outpatient thoracentesis. Which statement made by the client should the nurse recognize as needing additional education?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Patient Data Exhibits Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices area to specify which condition the client is most likely experiencing, two actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and two parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client's progress,

Correct Answer is []

Explanation

Potential condition: Opioid-induced constipation

Actions to take

Parameters to monitor

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

After a scheduled downtime, the computer documentation system fails to restart. Which action should the nurse take first?

The nurse is preparing a community outreach program on primary disease prevention. Which topic should the nurse plan to include in this event?

The nurse is caring for a 3-year-old client who is two hours postoperative from a cardiac catheterization via the right femoral artery. Which assessment finding is an indication of arterial obstruction?

The nurse is caring for a client with the sexually transmitted infection (STI) syphilis. The client reports having unprotected sex. Which response should the nurse provide?

A client taking temazepam informs the nurse of plans to quit taking the medication due to feelings of "hungover" the next day. Which action should the nurse implement?

The nurse observes that a client with ascites is dyspneic. Which action should the nurse implement first?