The patient is a 56-year-old man who has terminal cirrhosis and severe ascites. He is lethargic but is demonstrating signs of discomfort and respiratory distress
The physician has spoken with the patient's wife and has obtained consent to perform an abdominal paracentesis on the patient. After the physician leaves to prepare for the procedure, the wife asks the nurse whether the procedure is really necessary. The nurse should respond by saying this:
a. is the first step in the patient's recovery.
b. may help the patient feel better.
c. is needed to detect increased intracranial pressure.
d. is needed to analyze pleural fluid.
B
The patient is diagnosed as terminal. Paracentesis is a palliative measure used to provide temporary relief of abdominal and respiratory discomfort caused by severe ascites. Intracranial pressure is assessed with computed tomography. Thoracentesis, not paracentesis, is performed to analyze or remove pleural fluid.
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