A nurse is planning care for a client who is scheduled for a thoracentesis. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

During thoracentesis, the client must avoid coughing or sudden movement to prevent the needle from lacerating the lung or intercostal vessels. The client is positioned sitting upright, leaning forward over a bedside table (not prone). After the procedure, the client is positioned on the unaffected side to allow the puncture site to seal. Thoracentesis does not require NPO status — it is performed under local anesthesia only.