A nurse is admitting a client who is to undergo paracentesis for removal of ascitic fluid. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Weigh the client before and after the procedure: Monitoring the client’s weight before and after paracentesis provides an objective measure of the volume of fluid removed. This helps evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure and assess for complications such as fluid shifts or hypotension. B. Administer a low-volume hypertonic enema the night before the procedure: Bowel cleansing is not required for paracentesis, as the procedure targets the peritoneal cavity, not the gastrointestinal tract. Administering an enema could cause unnecessary discomfort without benefit. C. Ensure the client has a full bladder just prior to the procedure: A full bladder increases the risk of puncture during paracentesis. Clients are typically advised to void before the procedure to minimize the risk of bladder injury. D. Place the client in a side-lying position for the procedure: Paracentesis is usually performed with the client in a sitting position, leaning slightly forward, or in a supine position with the head of the bed elevated. Side-lying positioning does not provide optimal access to the fluid-filled peritoneal cavity.