A client with ascites is scheduled for a paracentesis to relieve discomfort and abdominal distention. What action should the nurse take before the procedure to ensure client safety?
A.
Withhold all oral medications on the day of the procedure.
B.
Administer an analgesic to the client to relieve pain during the procedure.
C.
Assist the client in emptying the bladder before the procedure.
D.
Ensure that the client has been fasting for at least 12 hours before the procedure.
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is C. Assist the client in emptying the bladder before the procedure.
Explanation
A paracentesis is a medical procedure used to remove excess fluid from the abdominal cavity, which can help relieve symptoms such as discomfort and abdominal distention. Ensuring client safety and comfort involves several preparatory steps:
- Emptying the Bladder: Assisting the client in emptying their bladder before the procedure is crucial. An empty bladder reduces the risk of injury during the paracentesis. The bladder is located in the lower abdomen, and if it is full, it can be pushed upward and might be punctured accidentally during the needle insertion. Additionally, an empty bladder can help improve the visualization of the abdominal cavity on ultrasound, which is often used to guide the procedure.
- Medications and Fasting: Withholding all oral medications on the day of the procedure (A) is not typically required for a paracentesis. Clients might be asked to stop certain medications if they are anticoagulants or if instructed by their healthcare provider. Fasting for at least 12 hours (D) is not necessary for a paracentesis; however, it is often required for procedures involving sedation or general anesthesia.
- Analgesics: Administering an analgesic (B) is generally not standard practice for a paracentesis. While the procedure can be uncomfortable, it is often performed with the client awake, and local anesthesia is used to numb the area where the needle will be inserted. The discomfort is usually manageable, and the focus is on ensuring the procedure is done carefully and effectively rather than on providing pre-procedure analgesia.
In summary, assisting the client in emptying their bladder before a paracentesis is a critical step to avoid complications and ensure a smoother procedure. This precaution helps to minimize the risk of bladder puncture and aids in the accurate placement of the needle.