Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 71%
Simulated
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?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: Instruct the client to avoid coughing during the procedure. This is important to prevent complications such as puncturing the lung or causing air leakage during the thoracentesis. Coughing can increase the risk of injury to the lung tissue or pleura. The other choices are incorrect because: B: Placing the client in the prone position during the procedure is not recommended as it can make it difficult for the healthcare provider to access the thoracic cavity. C: Positioning the client on the affected side for 4 hours following the procedure is unnecessary and can lead to discomfort for the client. D: Informing the client that he will be NPO for 6 hours prior to the procedure is not necessary for a thoracentesis, as it does not require fasting.