{"id":404,"date":"2021-05-26T12:34:00","date_gmt":"2021-05-26T12:34:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/?p=404"},"modified":"2026-03-20T13:52:28","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T21:52:28","slug":"nclex-question-of-the-day-preparing-a-client-for-a-thoracentesis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-preparing-a-client-for-a-thoracentesis","title":{"rendered":"NCLEX-RN\u00ae Question of the Day: Preparing a client for a thoracentesis"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">In This Article<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-preparing-a-client-for-a-thoracentesis\/#The_correct_answer_to_todays_NCLEX-RN%C2%AE_Question_is%E2%80%A6\" >The correct answer to today&#8217;s NCLEX-RN\u00ae Question is&#8230;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-preparing-a-client-for-a-thoracentesis\/#Ready_to_put_your_nursing_knowledge_to_the_test\" >Ready to put your nursing knowledge to the test?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-preparing-a-client-for-a-thoracentesis\/#Major_Takeaway\" >Major Takeaway<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-preparing-a-client-for-a-thoracentesis\/#Incorrect_Answer_Explanations\" >Incorrect Answer Explanations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-preparing-a-client-for-a-thoracentesis\/#Reference\" >Reference<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Today&#8217;s NCLEX-RN\u00ae question of the day focuses on a client preparing for a thoracentesis.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When preparing a client for a thoracentesis, the nurse should assist the client into which of these positions?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A. Prone with the head turned to one side<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>B. High Fowler position with the arms at the side<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>C. Semi-Fowler with the arms crossed in front<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>D. Sitting while leaning forward over a pillow<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Scroll down for the correct answer!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-embed-handler wp-block-embed-embed-handler wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Nurses Learn by Osmosis.org\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/kGJCkPfFypA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/plans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><u><em><strong>\u2192 Reinforce your understanding with more self-assessment items on Osmosis.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/em><\/u><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_correct_answer_to_todays_NCLEX-RN%C2%AE_Question_is%E2%80%A6\"><\/span>The correct answer to today&#8217;s NCLEX-RN\u00ae Question is&#8230;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>D. Sitting while leaning forward over a pillow<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Rationale:<\/strong>&nbsp;During a thoracentesis a needle is inserted into the intercostal space, so the nurse should assist the client to sit at the edge of the bed while leaning forward with their arms supported on a bedside table and a pillow or folded towel. This position promotes separation of the ribs to allow easy insertion of the needle into an enlarged intercostal space. Alternatively, the client can sit upright with the arm up, or if the client is unable to sit upright, the lateral recumbent position can be used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ready_to_put_your_nursing_knowledge_to_the_test\"><\/span><em>Ready to put your nursing knowledge to the test?<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Explore the&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-smarter-prep-better-results\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NCLEX\u00ae Question of the Day: Smarter Prep, Better Results<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;page to practice with NCLEX-style questions and boost your confidence before exam day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Major_Takeaway\"><\/span>Major Takeaway<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During a thoracentesis the client should be sitting while leaning forward over a pillow so the intercostal spaces are separated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Incorrect_Answer_Explanations\"><\/span>Incorrect Answer Explanations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A. Prone with the head turned to one side<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Rationale<\/strong>: During a thoracentesis a needle is inserted into the intercostal space, so a prone position would not be helpful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>B. High Fowler position with the arms at the side<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Rationale<\/strong>: During a thoracentesis a needle is inserted into the intercostal space. A high Fowler\u2019s position would not be helpful and the client\u2019s arms will cover the insertion site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>C. Semi-Fowler with the arms crossed in front<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Rationale<\/strong>: During a thoracentesis a needle is inserted into the intercostal space. A high Fowler\u2019s position would not be helpful for this procedure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reference\"><\/span>Reference<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Berman, A. &amp; Snyder, S. (2016).&nbsp;<em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pearson.com\/us\/higher-education\/program\/Berman-Skills-in-Clinical-Nursing-8th-Edition\/PGM132487.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Skills in clinical nursing<\/a><\/em><em>&nbsp;<\/em>(8th ed.). Pearson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/plans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/30.png\" alt=\"Osmosis sign up ad\" class=\"wp-image-407\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/30.png 700w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/30.png?resize=300,107 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">NCLEX-RN\u00ae and NCLEX-PN\u00ae are registered trademarks of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc (NCSBN\u00ae). Osmosis is not affiliated with NCSBN.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Want more NCLEX\u00ae-style practice questions? Try Osmosis today! Access your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/login?type=create\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">free trial<\/a>&nbsp;and find out why millions of current and future clinicians and caregivers love learning with us.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn what the optimal position for thoracentesis to allow for rib separation and safe needle insertion.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":279,"featured_media":406,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[20,867,29,1367,32],"tags":[263,973,244,245,972,154,971,156,337,970],"class_list":["post-404","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-exam-prep","category-lpn","category-nclex","category-nclex-rn","category-nursing","tag-clinical-nursing","tag-intercostal-space","tag-nclex-rn","tag-nursing-education","tag-nursing-procedure","tag-nursing-skills","tag-patient-positioning","tag-patient-safety","tag-respiratory-care","tag-thoracentesis"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>NCLEX-RN\u00ae Question of the Day: Preparing a client for a thoracentesis - Osmosis Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-preparing-a-client-for-a-thoracentesis\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"NCLEX-RN\u00ae Question of the Day: Preparing a client for a thoracentesis - Osmosis Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn what the optimal position for thoracentesis to allow for rib separation and safe needle insertion.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-preparing-a-client-for-a-thoracentesis\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Osmosis Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2021-05-26T12:34:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-03-20T21:52:28+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/3.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Paige Randall, PhD, MS, RN, CNE &amp; Elizabeth Lucas, EdD, RN, CNE\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":[\"Article\",\"BlogPosting\"],\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-preparing-a-client-for-a-thoracentesis#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-preparing-a-client-for-a-thoracentesis\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Paige Randall, PhD, MS, RN, CNE &amp; Elizabeth Lucas, EdD, RN, CNE\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/131a18b6ecda9e9a8aac2894efb9d158\"},\"headline\":\"NCLEX-RN\u00ae Question of the Day: Preparing a client for a thoracentesis\",\"datePublished\":\"2021-05-26T12:34:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-20T21:52:28+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-preparing-a-client-for-a-thoracentesis\"},\"wordCount\":439,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-preparing-a-client-for-a-thoracentesis#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/3.webp\",\"keywords\":[\"clinical nursing\",\"intercostal space\",\"NCLEX-RN\",\"nursing education\",\"nursing procedure\",\"nursing skills\",\"patient positioning\",\"patient safety\",\"respiratory care\",\"thoracentesis\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Exam Prep\",\"LPN (Licensed Practical Nursing)\",\"NCLEX\",\"NCLEX-RN\",\"Registered Nursing (RN)\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-preparing-a-client-for-a-thoracentesis#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-preparing-a-client-for-a-thoracentesis\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-preparing-a-client-for-a-thoracentesis\",\"name\":\"NCLEX-RN\u00ae Question of the Day: Preparing a client for a thoracentesis - Osmosis Blog\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-preparing-a-client-for-a-thoracentesis#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-preparing-a-client-for-a-thoracentesis#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/3.webp\",\"datePublished\":\"2021-05-26T12:34:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-20T21:52:28+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-preparing-a-client-for-a-thoracentesis#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-preparing-a-client-for-a-thoracentesis\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-preparing-a-client-for-a-thoracentesis#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/3.webp\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/3.webp\",\"width\":1080,\"height\":1080,\"caption\":\"NCLEX Question of the Day Preparing a Client for a Thoracentesis\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-preparing-a-client-for-a-thoracentesis#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"NCLEX-RN\u00ae Question of the Day: Preparing a client for a thoracentesis\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"Osmosis Blog\",\"description\":\"\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Osmosis Blog\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/OsmosisElsevierStacked.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/OsmosisElsevierStacked.png\",\"width\":1276,\"height\":596,\"caption\":\"Osmosis Blog\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/131a18b6ecda9e9a8aac2894efb9d158\",\"name\":\"Paige Randall, PhD, MS, RN, CNE &amp; Elizabeth Lucas, EdD, RN, CNE\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d6c2ca8e1c8eafcaf906ff92af24958d629f6c8203487bb2f1a5aebceb746a9e?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d6c2ca8e1c8eafcaf906ff92af24958d629f6c8203487bb2f1a5aebceb746a9e?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Paige Randall, PhD, MS, RN, CNE &amp; Elizabeth Lucas, EdD, RN, CNE\"},\"description\":\"Author\/Reviewer Paige Randall, PhD, MS, RN, CEN, CNE, has been a Registered Nurse for more than a decade and has a clinical background in cardiac, emergency nursing, and nursing education Elizabeth Lucas, EdD, RN, CNE, has been a Registered Nurse since 2008 with a clinical background in oncology working in a Medical Oncology Unit, a Critical Care Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, and a Hematology\/Oncology Clinic.\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/author\/paigeandlizqotd\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"NCLEX-RN\u00ae Question of the Day: Preparing a client for a thoracentesis - Osmosis Blog","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-preparing-a-client-for-a-thoracentesis","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"NCLEX-RN\u00ae Question of the Day: Preparing a client for a thoracentesis - Osmosis Blog","og_description":"Learn what the optimal position for thoracentesis to allow for rib separation and safe needle insertion.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-preparing-a-client-for-a-thoracentesis","og_site_name":"Osmosis Blog","article_published_time":"2021-05-26T12:34:00+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-03-20T21:52:28+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1080,"height":1080,"url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/3.webp","type":"image\/webp"}],"author":"Paige Randall, PhD, MS, RN, CNE &amp; Elizabeth Lucas, EdD, RN, CNE","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":["Article","BlogPosting"],"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-preparing-a-client-for-a-thoracentesis#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-preparing-a-client-for-a-thoracentesis"},"author":{"name":"Paige Randall, PhD, MS, RN, CNE &amp; Elizabeth Lucas, EdD, RN, CNE","@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/131a18b6ecda9e9a8aac2894efb9d158"},"headline":"NCLEX-RN\u00ae Question of the Day: Preparing a client for a thoracentesis","datePublished":"2021-05-26T12:34:00+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-20T21:52:28+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-preparing-a-client-for-a-thoracentesis"},"wordCount":439,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-preparing-a-client-for-a-thoracentesis#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/3.webp","keywords":["clinical nursing","intercostal space","NCLEX-RN","nursing education","nursing procedure","nursing skills","patient positioning","patient safety","respiratory care","thoracentesis"],"articleSection":["Exam Prep","LPN (Licensed Practical Nursing)","NCLEX","NCLEX-RN","Registered Nursing (RN)"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-preparing-a-client-for-a-thoracentesis#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-preparing-a-client-for-a-thoracentesis","url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-preparing-a-client-for-a-thoracentesis","name":"NCLEX-RN\u00ae Question of the Day: Preparing a client for a thoracentesis - Osmosis Blog","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-preparing-a-client-for-a-thoracentesis#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-preparing-a-client-for-a-thoracentesis#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/3.webp","datePublished":"2021-05-26T12:34:00+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-20T21:52:28+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-preparing-a-client-for-a-thoracentesis#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-preparing-a-client-for-a-thoracentesis"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-preparing-a-client-for-a-thoracentesis#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/3.webp","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/3.webp","width":1080,"height":1080,"caption":"NCLEX Question of the Day Preparing a Client for a Thoracentesis"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-preparing-a-client-for-a-thoracentesis#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"NCLEX-RN\u00ae Question of the Day: Preparing a client for a thoracentesis"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/","name":"Osmosis Blog","description":"","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#organization","name":"Osmosis Blog","url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/OsmosisElsevierStacked.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/OsmosisElsevierStacked.png","width":1276,"height":596,"caption":"Osmosis Blog"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/131a18b6ecda9e9a8aac2894efb9d158","name":"Paige Randall, PhD, MS, RN, CNE &amp; Elizabeth Lucas, EdD, RN, CNE","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d6c2ca8e1c8eafcaf906ff92af24958d629f6c8203487bb2f1a5aebceb746a9e?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d6c2ca8e1c8eafcaf906ff92af24958d629f6c8203487bb2f1a5aebceb746a9e?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Paige Randall, PhD, MS, RN, CNE &amp; Elizabeth Lucas, EdD, RN, CNE"},"description":"Author\/Reviewer Paige Randall, PhD, MS, RN, CEN, CNE, has been a Registered Nurse for more than a decade and has a clinical background in cardiac, emergency nursing, and nursing education Elizabeth Lucas, EdD, RN, CNE, has been a Registered Nurse since 2008 with a clinical background in oncology working in a Medical Oncology Unit, a Critical Care Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, and a Hematology\/Oncology Clinic.","url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/author\/paigeandlizqotd"}]}},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/3.webp","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":610,"url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-chest-pain-after-venous-catheter-removal","url_meta":{"origin":404,"position":0},"title":"NCLEX-RN\u00ae Question of the Day: Chest pain after venous catheter removal","author":"Paige Randall, PhD, MS, RN, CNE &amp; Elizabeth Lucas, EdD, RN, CNE","date":"March 17, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"A patient experiences chest pain and shortness of breath during catheter removal. What is the nurse\u2019s first priority intervention?","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Exam Prep&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Exam Prep","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/category\/exam-prep"},"img":{"alt_text":"NCLEX-RN\u00ae Question of the Day: Chest pain after venous catheter removal","src":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/NCLEX-chest-pain-after-venous-catheter-removal.webp","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/NCLEX-chest-pain-after-venous-catheter-removal.webp 1x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/NCLEX-chest-pain-after-venous-catheter-removal.webp 1.5x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/NCLEX-chest-pain-after-venous-catheter-removal.webp 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1181,"url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-spirometer","url_meta":{"origin":404,"position":1},"title":"NCLEX-RN\u00ae Question of the Day: Spirometer","author":"Paige Randall, PhD, MS, RN, CNE &amp; Elizabeth Lucas, EdD, RN, CNE","date":"October 6, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"What is essential for a client to remember when using an incentive spirometer to maximize lung inflation and avoid complications?","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Exam Prep&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Exam Prep","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/category\/exam-prep"},"img":{"alt_text":"NCLEX-RN\u00ae Question of the Day: Spirometer","src":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/nclex-spirometer.webp","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/nclex-spirometer.webp 1x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/nclex-spirometer.webp 1.5x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/nclex-spirometer.webp 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4265,"url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-qotd-mumps","url_meta":{"origin":404,"position":2},"title":"NCLEX-RN\u00ae Question of the Day: Mumps","author":"Paige Randall, PhD, MS, RN, CNE &amp; Elizabeth Lucas, EdD, RN, CNE","date":"September 25, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Test your nursing knowledge: What is the priority action when caring for a patient diagnosed with mumps and orchitis? Explore infection control and supportive care.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Exam Prep&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Exam Prep","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/category\/exam-prep"},"img":{"alt_text":"NCLEX-RN Question of the Day Mumps","src":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/Mumps.webp","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/Mumps.webp 1x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/Mumps.webp 1.5x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/Mumps.webp 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":419,"url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-serum-potassium-level","url_meta":{"origin":404,"position":3},"title":"NCLEX-RN Question of the Day: Serum potassium level","author":"Paige Randall, PhD, MS, RN, CNE &amp; Elizabeth Lucas, EdD, RN, CNE","date":"June 9, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"Explore today\u2019s NCLEX-RN\u00ae question on managing hypokalemia. Discover why initiating cardiac monitoring is the critical first step in patient care.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Exam Prep&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Exam Prep","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/category\/exam-prep"},"img":{"alt_text":"NCLEX Question of the day Serum Potassium Level","src":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/06\/NCLEX-Question-of-the-day-Serum-Potassium-Level.png","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/06\/NCLEX-Question-of-the-day-Serum-Potassium-Level.png 1x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/06\/NCLEX-Question-of-the-day-Serum-Potassium-Level.png 1.5x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/06\/NCLEX-Question-of-the-day-Serum-Potassium-Level.png 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1950,"url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-influenza-a","url_meta":{"origin":404,"position":4},"title":"NCLEX-RN\u00ae Question of the Day: Influenza A","author":"Paige Randall, PhD, MS, RN, CNE &amp; Elizabeth Lucas, EdD, RN, CNE","date":"March 9, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Which PPE should a nurse wear when caring for a patient with Influenza A to effectively prevent transmission of the virus?","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Exam Prep&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Exam Prep","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/category\/exam-prep"},"img":{"alt_text":"NCLEX\u00ae Question of the Day Influenza A","src":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/76.webp","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/76.webp 1x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/76.webp 1.5x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/76.webp 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":409,"url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-question-of-the-day-heparin-infusion-laboratory-findings","url_meta":{"origin":404,"position":5},"title":"NCLEX-RN\u00ae Question of the Day: Heparin infusion laboratory findings","author":"Paige Randall, PhD, MS, RN, CNE &amp; Elizabeth Lucas, EdD, RN, CNE","date":"April 28, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"Test your knowledge with today\u2019s NCLEX-RN\u00ae question! Learn why monitoring aPTT is key to med effectiveness and optimal patient care. Boost your skills and exam prep!","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Exam Prep&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Exam Prep","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/category\/exam-prep"},"img":{"alt_text":"NCLEX Question of the Day Heparin Infusion Laboratory Findings","src":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/4.webp","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/4.webp 1x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/4.webp 1.5x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/4.webp 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/404","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/279"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=404"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/404\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8549,"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/404\/revisions\/8549"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/406"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=404"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=404"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=404"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}