A client is scheduled for a thoracentesis that will be done at the bedside. What should the practical nurse (PN) prepare before the healthcare provider arrives to perform the procedure?

The correct answer is choice A. Gather the procedure tray and equipment. Choice A rationale: The practical nurse should gather the necessary procedure tray and equipment to ensure everything is ready for the healthcare provider to perform the thoracentesis efficiently and safely. Choice B rationale: Cleansing the site and covering it with a sterile towel is part of the procedure itself and should be done by the healthcare provider performing the thoracentesis. Choice C rationale: Keeping the patient NPO (nothing by mouth) and encouraging them to void is not necessary for a thoracentesis. This procedure typically does not require the patient to be NPO. Choice D rationale: Placing the patient in an orthopneic position (sitting up and leaning forward) is important for the procedure, but it should be done closer to the time of the procedure, not necessarily as a preparatory step.