Nursing intervention in cancer patients submitted to paracentesis: an Integrative Review Protocol

Paracentesis is a minimally invasive procedure commonly used for the diagnosis and treatment of ascites, with liver cirrhosis and malignancy being the most frequent underlying causes. Despite its routine use, particularly in oncology settings, there remains a lack of synthesized evidence regarding the nursing role in the periprocedural care of these patients. This integrative review aims to identify, synthesize, and analyze nursing interventions in adults undergoing paracentesis for ascites management, regardless of disease stage or treatment context. The review will follow an integrative methodology, allowing the inclusion of diverse study designs and both qualitative and quantitative data. Databases including MEDLINE, CINAHL, and ClinicalKey will be searched using a strategy developed by two reviewers and peer-reviewed by a third. Findings are expected to inform evidence-based practice and support the development of autonomous nursing interventions in this clinical setting.