A nurse is assisting with a diagnostic paracentesis for a client with suspected peritonitis. The nurse understands that this procedure involves:
Removal of fluid from the pleural cavity
Removal of fluid from the pericardial sac
Removal of fluid from the peritoneal cavity
Removal of fluid from the spinal canal
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Removal of fluid from the pleural cavity would be a thoracentesis, not a paracentesis.
Choice B reason:
Removal of fluid from the pericardial sac would be a pericardiocentesis, not a paracentesis.
Choice C reason:
A diagnostic paracentesis involves removing fluid from the peritoneal cavity to analyze for signs of infection and inflammation, which is important in diagnosing peritonitis.
Choice D reason:
Removal of fluid from the spinal canal would be a lumbar puncture, not a paracentesis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Severe headache and neck stiffness are signs of meningitis and are not directly related to peritonitis.
Choice B reason:
Rapid and shallow breathing may occur with other respiratory conditions but is not a hallmark sign of peritonitis.
Choice C reason:
Abdominal rigidity and tenderness are hallmark signs of peritonitis and are caused by the inflammation of the peritoneum.
Choice D reason:
Hyperactive bowel sounds may occur with gastrointestinal disorders but are not specific to peritonitis.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Removal of fluid from the pleural cavity would be a thoracentesis, not a paracentesis.
Choice B reason:
Removal of fluid from the pericardial sac would be a pericardiocentesis, not a paracentesis.
Choice C reason:
A diagnostic paracentesis involves removing fluid from the peritoneal cavity to analyze for signs of infection and inflammation, which is important in diagnosing peritonitis.
Choice D reason:
Removal of fluid from the spinal canal would be a lumbar puncture, not a paracentesis.
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