In which group of clients is thoracentesis contraindicated?

The group of clients in which thoracentesis is contraindicated includes those who are uncooperative. This procedure involves inserting a needle into the pleural space to remove fluid for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Cooperation from the patient is essential to ensure accuracy, minimize complications, and manage anxiety during the procedure. An uncooperative client may move unexpectedly, resist the procedure, or not follow instructions, all of which can increase the risk of injury to internal structures, inadequate fluid removal, or complications such as pneumothorax.

While clients with a history of lung cancer may require thoracentesis for evaluation of pleural effusions or other concerns, their history doesn't automatically contraindicate the procedure. Patients with no history of bleeding disorders typically have a lower risk of bleeding complications during invasive procedures like thoracentesis. Individuals undergoing heart surgery might present challenges but are not inherently contraindicated for thoracentesis unless they are acutely unstable or if other specific factors are at play. Therefore, the most critical concern is ensuring that patients are cooperative to safely and effectively carry out the procedure.