A patient has a thoracentesis for dyspnea caused by a pleural effusion. The physician obtains 1000 mL of fluid. Which outcome indicates that the thoracentesis has been effective?
a. No bleeding at the site is noted.
b. No cancer cells are found in the fluid.
c. The patient states that the dyspnea has lessened.
d. The fluid is sent to the laboratory in a timely manner.
ANS: C
Pleural fluid can crowd the lungs and make breathing difficult. Removal of the fluid often results in relief of dyspnea. A. B. D. Timely delivery of the specimen, bleeding at the site, and laboratory results are all important but do not measure the effectiveness of the procedure.
You might also like to view...
Deep palpation is more frequently performed for assessment of
a. the abdomen and male and female reproductive organs. b. muscle guarding. c. superficial tenderness. d. the thorax and extremities.
The physician orders a urinary 17-ketosteroid test on a client with a suspected adrenal disorder. The nurse is responsible to:
A) send the first voided urine specimen of the day to the laboratory. B) keep a 24-hour urine collection on ice. C) obtain a catheterized sterile urine specimen. D) instruct client to avoid drinking any caffeine products.
A client in labor is a Lebanese immigrant, and she explains that in the Muslim faith, the baby's name is selected after delivery, as it is God's will whether or not the baby will be born. Which nursing response is appropriate?
1. "Are you afraid your baby will not live?" 2. "We have a very low rate of complications at this facility." 3. "In the United States, you can feel free to choose your baby's name prior to the delivery." 4. "Thank you for explaining that to me. By sharing your cultural beliefs with me, you are helping me to provide you with the best possible care."
A patient is receiving acetaminophen (Tylenol) for fever. The patient also has inflammation in the knees and elbows with pain. Why will acetaminophen (Tylenol) assist in reducing fever but not in decreasing the inflammatory process?
A) Prostaglandin inhibition is limited to the central nervous system. B) Acetaminophen inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) only. C) Acetaminophen has an antiplatelet effect to decrease edema. D) Prostaglandins decrease the gastric acid secretion.