Ateneo de Zamboanga University

College of Nursing
NURSING SKILLS OUTPUT
Week 12

Abdominal Paracentesis

I . Description

Paracentesis is a procedure to take out fluid that has collected in the belly (peritoneal fluid).
This fluid buildup is called ascites camera.gif. Ascites may be caused by infection, inflammation,
an injury, or other conditions, such as cirrhosis or cancer. The fluid is taken out using a long,
thin needle put through the belly. The fluid is sent to a lab and studied to find the cause of the
fluid buildup. Paracentesis also may be done to take the fluid out to relieve belly pressure or
pain in people with cancer or cirrhosis.

II. Materials / Equipments

 Skin-cleansing agent (e.g., chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine)

 Sterile gauze, drape, gloves
 Local anesthetic (e.g. 1% lidocaine) (see Local Anesthesia for further details)
 5- to 10-mL syringe with a 25- and 22- gauge needle for injection of anesthetic
 Needle and catheter assembly (2-inch, 18-gauge intravenous catheters without retractable
needles or paracentesis-specific devices)
 35- to 60-mL syringe for aspiration of ascitic fluid
 High-pressure drainage tubing
 Specimen tubes
 Evacuated containers (as many as five or more)
 Sterile occlusive dressing
 Bedside ultrasound machine (optional)

III . Procedures

1. Check for the physician’s order,

2. Explain to procedure to patient and patient relatives what to be going to done,
3. Take written consent from patient and patient relatives,
4. Shave and Skin prepare should be done,
5. Record the patient vital e,g. Temperature,B.P,pulse,Spo2,
6. Provide privacy,
7. Maintain I. V, line, if any emergency to give fluids and medications,
8. Paint abdomen with Betadine,
9. Assist to Doctor, giving needed articles, such as cotton swabs, sterile towels, etc…
 10. Needle should be inserted z-track technique,
11. Monitor patient during procedure,
12. Observe for fluid color,
13. Measure fluid quantity,
14. Send test tube for diagnostic tests,
15. After finishing the procedure, seal the punctured wound with sterile dressing,
16. Fasten the abdominal binder tightly, from the top to bottom,

IV . Diagram

V. Nursing Responsibility
1. Before you have paracentesis done, tell your doctor if you
•Are taking any medicine.
•Are allergic to any medicines, including numbing medicines (anesthetics).
•Have had bleeding problems or are taking blood thinners, such as aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-
inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or warfarin (Coumadin).
•Are or might be pregnant.
2. .Other blood tests may be done before a paracentesis to make sure that you do not have any
bleeding or clotting problems. You will empty your bladder before the procedure
 3. You may be asked to sign a consent form that says you understand the risks of the test
and agree to have it done.
4. Provide any hot tea if indicated,
5. Monitor patient vitals continuously,
6. monitor input and out put chart,
7. Watch for any reaction for 24 hours,

References :

http://www.proceduresconsult.com/medical-procedures/abdominal-paracentesis-EM-096-
procedure.aspx

www.webmd.com › Digestive Disorders › Reference

Sept 14, 2017 Fe Eva Labitag RN, MN

Date Clinical Instructor

Bautista, Kyra Kristine C.

BSN-3C (Group B)