What action should a nurse implement prior to a paracentesis for a client with liver failure?

Instructing the client to void before a paracentesis is crucial for several reasons. A paracentesis involves the insertion of a needle into the abdomen to remove excess fluid from the peritoneal cavity. By emptying the bladder beforehand, the nurse helps reduce the risk of puncturing the bladder during the procedure. The bladder can be located near the lower abdominal area, and if it's full, it may be displaced and increase the risk of injury during needle insertion.

Ensuring that the client has voided also contributes to the overall comfort of the procedure. A full bladder can cause discomfort or even pain when the abdomen is accessed, and it's essential to make the procedure as tolerable as possible for the client.

While other actions, such as elevating the head of the bed, measuring abdominal girth, or obtaining informed consent, are important components of the nursing care surrounding a paracentesis, the immediate action of having the client void directly impacts safety and comfort during the procedure.