Question

1. An elderly patient is scheduled for a thoracentesis. The nurse needs to recognize and evaluate the major symptoms of respiratory dysfunction by applying concepts from the patients health history and physical assessment findings.

a. What is a thoracentesis?

b. Why is it important to obtain a chest x-ray before and after the procedure?

c. After a thoracentesis, for what potential complication should the nurses assess the patient?

2. What is an essential amino acid? Name all of the essential amino acids. State three protein food sources you consume and which essential amino acids they contain

Answer 1

a. Thoracentesis is a procedure where a needle or a cannula inserted into the lung for removing extra fluid(Pleural effusion) from pleural space. The procedure site is chosen according to patient condition but the common sites are 8th, 9th and 10th intercostal space. The procedure is otherwise known as pleural tapping.

b. A chest x-ray is very important before and after the procedure.

Before the procedure to identify the site and level of insertion of a needle and to know the progression of the disease.

After the procedure to rule out the complications if the needle remains then to see the position of needle.

c. Complications includes

Pneumothorax

Hemothorax

Bleeding

Hematoma

Vasovagal response

Chest infection

2. An essential amino acid is very necessary because body can not produce these amino acids.

There are total of nine essential amino acids

isoleucine, methionine, histidine, lysine, leucine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, threonine, and valine

red meat is rich in Lysine

Nuts are rich in histidine

Eggs and grains are high in threonine