A patient with a pleural effusion is scheduled for a thoracentesis. Which action should the nurse take to prepare the patient for the procedure?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the patient is sitting up,fluid accumulates in the pleural space at the lung bases and can more easily be located and removed. The patient does not usually require sedation for the procedure,and there are no restrictions on oral intake because the patient is not sedated or unconscious. Usually only 1000 to 1200 mL of pleural fluid is removed at one time. Rapid removal of a large volume can result in hypotension,hypoxemia,or pulmonary edema.

A Patient with a Pleural Effusion Is Scheduled for a Thoracentesis