Procedure for ascitic tap (paracentesis) Position the patient supine in the bed with their head resting on a pillow. Select an appropriate point on the abdominal wall in the right or left lower quadrant, lateral to the rectus sheath. Clean the site and surrounding area with 2% Chlorhexadine and apply a sterile drape. Click to see full answer. Similarly one may ask, how much ascitic fluid is tapped?10-20 ml of fluid can be aspirated for diagnostic purposes. If a therapeutic tap is required, an IV cannula is placed using the Z-track technique.Also, how much fluid should be removed during paracentesis? When small volumes of ascitic fluid are removed, saline alone is an effective plasma expander. The removal of 5 L of fluid or more is considered large-volume paracentesis. Total paracentesis, that is, removal of all ascites (even >20 L), can usually be performed safely. Hereof, how do they drain ascites? The main treatment of ascites is to drain the fluid by putting a tube into the tummy. This is called paracentesis. Draining the fluid will relieve the symptoms and help you feel more comfortable. A doctor will usually put in the tube at the hospital.How many times can ascites be drained?Once the drain is in place, the patient’s ascites can be drained in the patient’s usual place of residence. Community nurses or (where willing) carers can then remove smaller volumes (1–2 L) of ascitic fluid in about 5–10 min, usually two to three times a week dependent on patient preference.
