A patient with ascites is recovering from a paracentesis where 8 liters of fluid have been removed. What will the nurse monitor in order to detect a common complication after this procedure?
1. Blood pressure at least every half hour until the patient is stable
2. Serum ammonia every 4 hours for the next 24 hours.
3. Chest film for evidence of a pneumothorax
4. Temperature every 2 hours to detect bacterial peritonitis
1
Rationale 1: Post-procedure responsibilities include monitoring hemodynamic status to detect the potential complications of hypovolemic shock.
Rationale 2: A paracentesis does not change serum ammonia levels.
Rationale 3: A post-procedure chest film is not indicated following a paracentesis.
Rationale 4: The patient's temperature should be routinely monitored every 4, not 2, hours.
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