Author Question: A client is scheduled for thoracentesis, a painful procedure that is performed to drain fluid from ... (Read 109 times)

evelyn o bentley · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

A client is scheduled for thoracentesis, a painful procedure that is performed to drain fluid from the pleural space. The nurse assesses that the client appears anxious about the procedure and needs honest support and reassurance.

What is the most appropriate response by the nurse to this client? A) I will be by your side throughout the procedure; the procedure will be painless if you don't move.
B) The needle causes pain when it goes in, but I will be by your side throughout and will help you hold your position.
C) The procedure may take only 2 to 3 minutes, so you might get through it by mentally counting up to 120.
D) You may feel uncomfortable when the needle goes in, but remember that the stakes for this are very high.

Question 2

A client with a severe muscle spasm in her lower back has been prescribed traction. Which of the following should the nurse confirm before helping to apply traction to the client?

A) Number of pulleys
B) Availability of gloves
C) Prescribed amount of weight
D) Infrared heat of the lamp

ApricotDream · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B
Feedback:
Thoracentesis is a painful procedure and it is important to sit still to avoid injuring the pleura. The nurse should reassure the client that he or she will be present during the procedure and help her throughout. The nurse should provide correct knowledge as well as reassurance. Likewise, the nurse should avoid giving false reassurance about the procedure being painless. Additionally, the nurse should normally abstain from stating facts that could scare the client. The nurse should not use an authoritarian approach.

Answer to Question 2

C
Feedback:
The nurse should check the prescribed amount of weight that needs to be applied to create the necessary pulling effect on the affected body part. This is a priority over the number of pulleys or the availability of gloves. Applying infrared heat with a lamp is used to treat pain, but it is not part of traction.