Saunders Respiratory Practice

Which action is essential before a thoracentesis procedure?

1. Administering a sedative

2. Performing a time-out

3. Starting IV fluids

4. Reassuring the family

The correct answer is: Performing a time-out

Performing a time-out is vital before a thoracentesis procedure because it serves as a critical safety measure to prevent errors. The time-out is a standardized practice in many healthcare settings which involves pausing right before a procedure to ensure that the surgical team agrees on the patient's identity, the procedure to be performed, and the correct site for the procedure. This step is essential in enhancing patient safety and positive outcomes by verifying that all necessary preparations have been made and that there are no misunderstandings about the planned intervention. While sedatives, starting IV fluids, and reassuring the family may play roles in the overall care process, they do not specifically address the immediate safety checks that the time-out provides just prior to thoracentesis.