The nurse is preparing a client for an outpatient thoracentesis.
Which statement made by the client indicates a need for additional education?

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

Assigning the newly hired UAP to clients who require the least complex level of care might not be the best approach. While it might seem logical to assign less complex cases to a new hire, this could limit the UAP’s opportunities for learning and growth.

Choice B rationale

Reviewing the UAP’s skills checklist and experience with the person who hired the UAP is an important step, but it might not be enough to ensure adequate care for all clients. The skills and experiences listed on a checklist might not fully reflect the UAP’s actual abilities in a real-world setting.

Choice C rationale

Asking the most experienced UAP on the team to partner with the newly hired UAP could be beneficial for mentorship and guidance. However, this might not be the most efficient use of resources, especially if the experienced UAP has to spend a significant amount of time supervising the new hire.

Choice D rationale

Assessing the newly hired UAP’s competency level by observing the UAP deliver care is the most effective way to ensure adequate care for all clients. This allows the nurse to directly evaluate the UAP’s skills and abilities in a real-world setting, and to provide immediate feedback and guidance as needed.