A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who has multiple injuries following a motor vehicle crash. The nurse should monitor for which of the following manifestations of apneumothorax?

a. Complete heart block: Complete heart block would typically present with a regular ventricular rate, but with no association between P waves and QRS complexes.

b. Atrial fibrillation: Atrial fibrillation is characterized by the absence of identifiable P waves and an irregular ventricular rate. The atria fibrillate, leading to chaotic electrical activity and an irregular ventricular response.

c. Sinus tachycardia: Sinus tachycardia is characterized by a regular ventricular rate and identifiable P waves. It is not associated with the absence of P waves.

d. First-degree AV block: First-degree AV block is characterized by a prolonged PR interval, but it does not result in the absence of P waves. The relationship between P waves and QRS

complexes is maintained.

A. Inspiratory stridor - This is associated with upper airway obstruction and is not indicative of a pneumothorax.

B. Expiratory wheeze - Wheezing is commonly associated with lower airway conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), not pneumothorax.

C. Coarse crackles - Coarse crackles are typically heard in conditions such as pneumonia or pulmonary edema, not pneumothorax.

D. Absence of breath sounds - This is a key manifestation of a pneumothorax. The air in the pleural space can prevent the lung from fully expanding, leading to the absence of breath sounds on the affected side.