The health care provider performs a thoracentesis on a patient with a right pleural effusion. In preparing the patient for the procedure, the nurse positions the patient

Question

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The upright position with the arms supported increases lung expansion, allows fluid to collect at the lung bases, and expands the intercostal space so that access to the pleural space is easier. The other positions would increase the work of breathing for the patient and make it more difficult for the health care provider performing the thoracentesis.

The Health Care Provider Performs a Thoracentesis on a Patient