Saunders Diagnostic Testing Questions

1. A client is being prepared for a thoracentesis. The nurse should assist the client to which position for the procedure? 1. Lying in bed on the affected side 2. Lying in bed on the unaffected side 3. Sims' position with the head of the bed flat 4. Prone with the head turned to the side and supported by a pillow Correct answer: 2 Rationale: To facilitate removal of fluid from the chest, the client is positioned sitting at the edge of the bed leaning over the bedside table, with the feet supported on a stool; or lying in bed on the unaffected side with the head of the bed elevated 30 to 45 degrees. The prone and Sims' positions are inappropriate positions for this procedure. Cognitive Ability: Applying Client Needs: Physiological Integrity Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Implementation Content Area: Fundamentals of Care: Diagnostic Tests Strategy(ies): Subject Priority Concepts: Clinical Judgment, Safety 2. The nurse is preparing to care for a client who has returned to the nursing unit following cardiac catheterization performed through the femoral vessel. The nurse checks the health care provider's (HCP's) prescription and plans to allow which client position or activity following the procedure? 1. Bed rest in high Fowler's position 2. Bed rest with bathroom privileges only 3. Bed rest with head elevation at 60 degrees 4. Bed rest with head elevation no greater than 30 degrees Correct answer: 4 Rationale: After cardiac catheterization, the extremity into which the catheter was inserted is kept straight for 4 to 6 hours. The client is maintained on bed rest for 4 to 6 hours (time for bed rest may vary depending on the HCP's preference and on whether a vascular closure device was used) and the client may turn from side to side. The head is elevated no more than 30 degrees (although some HCPs prefer a lower position or the flat position) until hemostasis is adequately achieved. Cognitive Ability: Applying Client Needs: Physiological Integrity Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Planning Content Area: Fundamentals of Care: Diagnostic Tests Strategy(ies): Subject Priority Concepts: Perfusion, Safety 3. A client is about to undergo a lumbar puncture. The nurse describes to the client that which position will be used during the procedure? 1. Side-lying with a pillow under the hip 2. Prone with a pillow under the abdomen 3. Prone in slight Trendelenburg's position