Self-Assessment Questions

Question 1

A coagulopathy, such as an elevated PTT or INR, is an absolute contraindication to paracentesis.

True False

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT an indication for paracentesis?

	a. Relief of cardiorespiratory symptoms of tense ascites
	b. Diagnosis of new-onset ascites
	c. Determination of infection in patients with known or suspected ascites
	d. All of the above are indications for paracentesis

Question 3

Choose the best possible site of entry for paracentesis from the following:

	a. 2cm infraumbilical, through a surgical scar
	b. Right lower quadrant, 4-5cm cephalad and medial to the ASIS
	c. Left lower quadrant, cephalad and medial to ASIS through a superficial vein

Question 4

Which PREVENTATIVE strategy will decrease the likelihood of persistent leakage of ascitic fluid?

	a. A single suture at the sight of puncture
	b. Ensuring the patient's coagulation status is within normal range
	c. Using the "Z-tract" method when inserting the needle
	d. Placing the patient in Trendelenburg position

Question 5

Choose the correct statement from the following choices:

	a. Ascitic fluid should routinely undergo gross inspection as well as laboratory analysis, including: serum-ascites albumin gradient, differential cell count, and cultures
	b. Normal ascitic fluid is green and opaque
	c. Gram stain is the most reliable way to detect infection in ascitic fluid
	d. To determine the serum-ascites albumin gradient, simply measure the albumin content in the ascitic fluid