A patient with a pleural effusion is scheduled for a thoracentesis. Which action should the nurse take to prepare the patient for the procedure?
a. Start a peripheral IV line to administer the necessary sedative drugs.
b. Position the patient sitting upright on the edge of the bed and leaning forward.
c. Obtain a large collection device to hold 2 to 3 liters of pleural fluid at one time.
d. Remove the water pitcher and remind the patient not to eat or drink anything for 6 hours.
ANS: B
When the patient is sitting up, fluid accumulates in the pleural space at the lung bases and can more easily be located and removed. The patient does not usually require sedation for the procedure, and there are no restrictions on oral intake because the patient is not sedated or unconscious. Usually only 1000 to 1200 mL of pleural fluid is removed at one time. Rapid removal of a large volume can result in hypotension, hypoxemia, or pulmonary edema.
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