The nurse helps the health care provider perform a thoracentesis at the bedside. In which position does the nurse place the client to facilitate needle insertion and promote comfort?

Question

The nurse helps the health care provider perform a thoracentesis at the bedside.  In which position does the nurse place the client to facilitate needle insertion and promote comfort?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

11ecbb05_cb6e_ceb4_b433_4f5180d62b5b_MD0009_00 During a thoracentesis, a needle is inserted into the pleural space to remove fluid for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Before the procedure, the nurse places the client in an upright sitting position on the side of the bed, leaning forward over the bedside table, with arms supported on pillows. This position ensures that the diaphragm is dependent, facilitates access to the pleural space through the intercostal spaces, and promotes client comfort. (Option A) The fetal position is appropriate for a client having a lumbar puncture, not a thoracentesis. lumbar puncture (Option B) If unable to sit, the client can be positioned lying on the unaffected, not affected, side. (Option C) Prone position is not used for this procedure, is uncomfortable, and would make it more difficult for a client with dyspnea to breathe. Prone position Educational objective: Before a thoracentesis, the nurse places the client in an upright sitting position on the side of the bed, leaning forward over the bedside table, with arms supported on pillows. This position ensures that the diaphragm is dependent, facilitates access to the pleural space through the intercostal spaces, and promotes client comfort.

The Nurse Helps the Health Care Provider Perform a Thoracentesis