Intended for healthcare professionals
RCNi interactive learning

Practical skills

How to care for patients undergoing paracentesis for the drainage of ascites

Author: Grace McCullough

Duration: 1 hour Last updated: 2025 Quality Assurance: Peer-reviewed Level: Students Language: English

Course description

This practical module will help you to enhance your knowledge of the procedure involved in paracentesis for the drainage of ascites, the role of the nurse in paracentesis and monitoring the patient during the procedure, and the complications that may occur during paracentesis.


Learning aims and intended outcomes

After completing this module, you should be able to:

  • Describe the procedure involved in paracentesis for the drainage of ascites.
  • Understand your role as a nurse during ascitic drain insertion and removal.
  • Know how to monitor the patient throughout the procedure.
  • Recognise the complications that may occur during paracentesis.

Syllabus

  • Home
  • Pre-test
  • Learning module
  • References
  • Post-test

Author

GM
Grace McCullough
Staff nurse, intensive care, Royal Derby Hospital, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, England.

Disclaimer

Please note that information provided by RCNi Learning is not sufficient to ensure competence in the skill. Assessment of competence should take place in line with local practice. Practice should always align with local protocols and procedures, latest guidelines and any regulatory code. All modules should currently be viewed together with available national and local Covid-19 guidelines. For advice, go to www.rcn.org.uk/covid-19

Syllabus

  • Home
  • Pre-test
  • Learning module
  • References
  • Post-test

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