Medical Surgical HESI 2023 Related

Review Medical Surgical HESI 2023 related questions and content

During a paracentesis, two liters of fluid are removed from the abdomen of a client with ascites. A drainage bag is placed, and 50 ml of straw-colored fluid drains within the first hour. What action should the nurse implement?

  • A. Palpate for abdominal distention
  • B. Send fluid to the lab for analysis
  • C. Continue to monitor the fluid output
  • D. Clamp the drainage tube for 5 minutes
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Continuing to monitor the fluid output is the appropriate action in this situation. Monitoring the fluid output helps the nurse assess the client's ongoing response to the procedure and detect any sudden changes, such as increased or decreased drainage rate, which could indicate complications. Palpating for abdominal distention, sending fluid to the lab for analysis, or clamping the drainage tube are not necessary actions at this point, as the priority is to monitor the client's condition post-procedure.