A nurse is caring for a client who has pleural effusion and has undergone thoracentesis.
The nurse should identify which of the following findings as indicative of an infection?

Choice A rationale

Cyanosis is a late sign of hypoxemia and not the most common initial manifestation of ARDS. It indicates severe oxygen deprivation but doesn’t typically appear first.

Choice B rationale

Diaphoresis, or excessive sweating, can occur with many conditions causing distress, but it’s not specifically the most common presenting symptom of ARDS. It's more of a nonspecific symptom of stress.

Choice C rationale

Somnolence, or drowsiness, might occur in severe respiratory distress when oxygen levels drop significantly, but it’s not the primary or most common presenting manifestation of ARDS.

Choice D rationale

Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is the hallmark of ARDS and the most common presenting symptom. It occurs due to the acute onset of severe hypoxemia caused by the underlying pathophysiology of ARDS.

Choice A rationale

Obtaining a prescription for supplemental oxygen is the first action as hypoxia must be corrected immediately to ensure adequate tissue oxygenation.

Choice B rationale

Obtaining a prescription to administer intravenous fluids is essential to address dehydration but is secondary to correcting hypoxia.

Choice C rationale

Obtaining a prescription to administer insulin is crucial to manage hyperglycemia in diabetic ketoacidosis but not the initial step in this context.

Choice D rationale

Obtaining a prescription to check the client's glucose level is necessary for monitoring but does not address the immediate need for oxygenation.