A patient with tense ascites undergoes therapeutic paracentesis. Which finding after the procedure requires prompt action?

Correct answer: A. Blood pressure falls and the patient becomes dizzy

  • A. Blood pressure falls and the patient becomes dizzy
  • B. The patient reports less abdominal pressure
  • C. The abdomen is softer than before the procedure
  • D. Respirations become easier while sitting upright

Explanation

Hypotension and dizziness after removal of ascitic fluid may indicate intravascular volume reduction or circulatory dysfunction. Reduced pressure, a softer abdomen, and easier breathing are expected therapeutic responses.

Submitted by a TestUstad contributor and published by the TestUstad editorial teamLast updated
Report an error

The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.

Prefer email? support@testustad.com

About Gastrointestinal and Liver Nursing

Covers nursing care for peptic ulcer disease, gastroenteritis, inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal obstruction, hepatitis, cirrhosis and portal hypertension. It includes nutrition, fluid and electrolyte management, abdominal assessment, gastrointestinal bleeding, ascites and hepatic encephalopathy, which must be distinguished from other causes of altered consciousness.

Practise Gastrointestinal and Liver Nursing

50 free Gastrointestinal and Liver Nursing MCQs from Medical Surgical Nursing, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.

Discussion

Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.

No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.

Exams that ask Medical Surgical Nursing questions like this

Medical Surgical Nursing is on 8 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.

More Gastrointestinal and Liver Nursing questions