The patient is a 56-year-old man who has terminal cirrhosis and ...

[crazycityslicker]

The patient is a 56-year-old man who has terminal cirrhosis and severe ascites. He is lethargic but is demonstrating signs of discomfort and respiratory distress.
 
  The physician has spoken with the patient's wife and has obtained consent to perform an abdominal paracentesis on the patient. After the physician leaves to prepare for the procedure, the wife asks the nurse whether the procedure is really necessary. The nurse should respond by saying this:
  a. is the first step in the patient's recovery.
  b. may help the patient feel better.
  c. is needed to detect increased intracranial pressure.
  d. is needed to analyze pleural fluid.

Question 2

Through the use of an antimicrobial agent and sterile brushes or sponges, which of the following occurs? (Select all that apply.)
 
  a. Debris and transient microorganisms are removed from the nails, hands, and forearms.
  b. The resident microbial count is reduced to a minimum.
  c. The skin is sterilized.
  d. Rapid/rebound growth of microorganisms is inhibited.
  e. The need to wash between patients is reduced.

[31809pancho]

Answer to Question 1

B
The patient is diagnosed as terminal. Paracentesis is a palliative measure used to provide temporary relief of abdominal and respiratory discomfort caused by severe ascites. Intracranial pressure is assessed with computed tomography. Thoracentesis, not paracentesis, is performed to analyze or remove pleural fluid.

Answer to Question 2

A, B, D
Although the skin cannot be sterilized, operating room personnel can greatly reduce the number of microorganisms by chemical, physical, and mechanical means. Through the use of an antimicrobial agent and sterile brushes or sponges, the surgical hand scrub removes debris and transient microorganisms from the nails, hands, and forearms, and inhibits rapid/rebound growth of microorganisms.