What are the nursing interventions following paracentesis?

Nursing Interventions Following Paracentesis

1. Monitor vital signs. This includes blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate.

2. Assess the patient's pain level. Paracentesis can cause pain at the insertion site, and the patient may also experience referred pain to the shoulder or back.

3. Monitor for signs of infection. These include fever, chills, and increased pain or redness at the insertion site.

4. Encourage the patient to drink fluids. This will help to replace the fluid that was removed during paracentesis and prevent dehydration.

5. Monitor the patient's intake and output. This will help to ensure that the patient is not retaining too much fluid.

6. Teach the patient about the signs and symptoms of complications. These include infection, bleeding, and organ damage.

7. Provide emotional support. Paracentesis can be a stressful procedure, and the patient may need emotional support to cope with their anxiety and fear.