Knowee
Questions
Features
Study Tools

A thoracentesis is performed to aspirate an abnormal accumulation of fluid in a 37-year-old patient with pleural effusion. A needle should be inserted at the midaxillary line between which of the following two ribs so as to avoid puncturing the lung?*1 pointRibs 1 and 3Ribs 3 and 5Ribs 5 and 7Ribs 7 and 9

Question

A thoracentesis is performed to aspirate an abnormal accumulation of fluid in a 37-year-old patient with pleural effusion. A needle should be inserted at the midaxillary line between which of the following two ribs so as to avoid puncturing the lung?*1 pointRibs 1 and 3Ribs 3 and 5Ribs 5 and 7Ribs 7 and 9

🧐 Not the exact question you are looking for?Go ask a question

Solution

The correct answer is Ribs 7 and 9.

Here's the step-by-step reasoning:

  1. The lungs are protected by the rib cage, which consists of 12 pairs of ribs.

  2. The space between the ribs is known as the intercostal space.

  3. When performing a thoracentesis, the needle is typically inserted in the intercostal space at the midaxillary line to avoid puncturing the lung.

  4. The midaxillary line is a vertical line drawn from the middle of the armpit to the ankle.

  5. The safest area to perform a thoracentesis is usually between the 7th and 9th ribs at the midaxillary line. This is because the lung tends to be more recessed in this area, reducing the risk of puncturing it.

  6. Therefore, the needle should be inserted between ribs 7 and 9 to avoid puncturing the lung during a thoracentesis.

This problem has been solved

Similar Questions

Which of the following pathologies will often result in a dull note to thoracic percussion?I. Pleural effusionII. ConsolidationIII. Previous lobectomyIV. Pneumothorax

One of the pulmonary veins is cut. Into which cavity is the vein hemorrhaging?A)between fibrous pericardium and parietal pleuraB) between fibrous and parietal pericardiumC)between epicardium and parietalD)between the myocardium and epicardium

Needle thoracocentesis is normally first attempted in the ... in the ..., directing the needle directly ... the rib to avoid the intercostals vessels and nerve.

What is the primary radiological sign of a tension pneumothorax on an X-ray?Question 46Select one:a.Atelectasisb.Mediastinal shiftc.Pleural effusiond.Consolidation

The [1] cavity is the space between the parietal and visceral pleura and is filled with pleural fluid.

1/1

Upgrade your grade with Knowee

Get personalized homework help. Review tough concepts in more detail, or go deeper into your topic by exploring other relevant questions.