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.
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
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale
A. Client A's oxygen saturation is acceptable for someone with emphysema.
B. This is because Client B's postoperative hemoglobin level is 8.2 mg/dL, which is significantly lower than the normal reference range of 14 to 18 g/dL. This indicates that Client B is anemic and may require a blood transfusion to increase the hemoglobin level.
C. Client C's potassium level is within the normal range
D. Client D's WBC count is elevated, moving them into isolation is not indicated solely based on an elevated WBC count.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale
A. Measuring vital signs, including respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation, is important to assess the client's overall status and to determine the severity of the dyspnea. Vital signs provide essential information to guide further interventions. While important, this action may not directly alleviate the client's immediate distress from dyspnea.
B. Placing the client in a high Fowler's position (sitting upright with the head of the bed elevated to 90 degrees) helps to maximize chest expansion and improve lung ventilation. This position can relieve dyspnea by reducing pressure on the diaphragm and improving lung compliance. It is a simple and effective intervention for clients experiencing respiratory distress.
C. While deep breathing exercises are beneficial for promoting lung expansion and improving respiratory function, they may not be appropriate as the first action when the client is already dyspneic. The priority
should be to position the client to alleviate immediate breathing difficulty before initiating exercises that require active participation.
D. Auscultating breath sounds is important for assessing lung function and detecting any abnormalities such as adventitious sounds (e.g., crackles, wheezes). However, this action is secondary to placing the client in a high Fowler's position to relieve dyspnea. Auscultation can be performed after the client's breathing has stabilized.
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