Question

After thoracentesis patient to give position?
1. Side lying position with unaffected side down
2. Side lying position with affected side down
3. Prone position
4. Supine position

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : Side lying position with unaffected side down

Concept:

• Thoracentesis, also known as Pleural tap, is a procedure to remove fluid from the pleural space, the space between the lining of the outside of the lungs (pleura) and the walls of the chest.
• This allows a pleural fluid analysis to be performed in the lab to figure out the cause of fluid accumulation.
• The pleural space consists of 4 teaspoons of fluid.
• If there's excess fluid, it can compress the lungs and cause breathing difficulty, that condition is known as pleural effusion.

Explanation:

• After thoracentesis, a side-lying position with the unaffected side down is given to the patient for an hour or longer. 
• This facilitates the expansion of the affected lung and eases respiration.