Urgent Care Center and Symptom Care Clinic Nursing Discharge Instructions: Paracentesis

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This information explains nursing discharge instructions for a paracentesis from the Urgent Care Center (UCC) or the Symptom Care Clinic (SCC).

Paracentesis

A paracentesis, or an abdominal tap, is a procedure that removes ascites (build-up of fluid) from your abdomen (belly). It is normal to have some leaking of fluid around the area where the fluid was removed.

Change positions slowly to avoid dizziness when standing. You may have changes in your blood pressure.

Call your MSK healthcare team or go to the nearest emergency room if you notice:

  • A lot of leaking or redness around the area.
  • Bloody drainage or pus.
  • Signs of infection, such as a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, shaking chills, or sweating.

Your care team may direct you to your regional Symptom Care Clinic (SCC) or the Urgent Care Center (UCC).

Follow up with your MSK healthcare team after discharge.

For more information, visit www.mskcc.org/pe/paracentesis

You can search for information on this topic and many others in MSK’s Patient and Caregiver Education library at www.mskcc.org/pe

Last Updated

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

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