Which statement about fluid management around paracentesis is correct?

Which statement about fluid management around paracentesis is correct?

• A. Administer IV bolus of fluids or albumin after the procedure
• B. Monitor vitals and labs only
• C. No fluids are needed
• D. Administer IV bolus of fluids or albumin before or after paracentesis

Answer: (D)

When large amounts of ascitic fluid are removed, intravascular volume can drop and lead to hypotension and kidney problems. To prevent this, clinicians give volume expansion around the procedure—often IV albumin in patients with cirrhosis—to maintain effective circulating volume. Administering these fluids either before the procedure or after helps preserve hemodynamic stability and reduces the risk of paracentesis-induced circulatory dysfunction. Albumin is preferred for large-volume paracentesis because it expands plasma volume more effectively and safely than crystalloids; the amount given typically correlates with the volume removed. So the approach of giving IV fluids or albumin around the time of paracentesis best reflects how to maintain circulation during this procedure.

When large amounts of ascitic fluid are removed, intravascular volume can drop and lead to hypotension and kidney problems. To prevent this, clinicians give volume expansion around the procedure—often IV albumin in patients with cirrhosis—to maintain effective circulating volume. Administering these fluids either before the procedure or after helps preserve hemodynamic stability and reduces the risk of paracentesis-induced circulatory dysfunction. Albumin is preferred for large-volume paracentesis because it expands plasma volume more effectively and safely than crystalloids; the amount given typically correlates with the volume removed. So the approach of giving IV fluids or albumin around the time of paracentesis best reflects how to maintain circulation during this procedure.