Patient Preparation for Paracentesis

A nurse is preparing a patient for a therapeutic procedure known as paracentesis, which involves removing fluid from the abdominal cavity. Prior to the procedure, the nurse must ensure that the patient understands what to expect during and after the procedure, as well as any risks involved. It is important to inform the patient that the procedure is typically performed at the bedside or in a procedure room using sterile technique. To assess the patient's understanding, the nurse asks, 'What should I do to prepare for the procedure?' The patient responds, 'I need to...'