A nurse is monitoring a client following a thoracentesis. The nurse should identify which of the following manifestations as a complication and contact the provider immediately?
Discomfort at the puncture site
Serosanguineous drainage from the puncture site
Increased heart rate
Decreased temperature
The Correct Answer is C
A. Discomfort at the puncture site:
Some discomfort at the puncture site is normal after a thoracentesis. It may be managed with pain medication as needed.
B. Serosanguineous drainage from the puncture site:
Serosanguineous drainage (a mix of clear and bloody fluid) is a common and expected finding after a thoracentesis. It is part of the normal post-procedure care.
C. Increased heart rate
Increased heart rate can be indicative of a complication following a thoracentesis, such as a pneumothorax or bleeding. This requires immediate attention, and the healthcare provider should be contacted promptly for further evaluation and intervention.
D. Decreased temperature:
A decreased temperature alone is not typically associated with complications following a thoracentesis. It may be related to other factors, but it is not an immediate concern compared to an increased heart rate.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Metallic taste in the mouth:
This is not a typical finding of oxygen toxicity. Metallic taste may be associated with other factors but is not a specific indicator of oxygen toxicity.
B. Facial flushing:
Facial flushing is not a typical finding in oxygen toxicity. It is more commonly associated with other conditions, such as certain allergic reactions or vasodilation.
C. Muscle twitching
Muscle twitching, also known as myoclonus, is a recognized symptom of central nervous system oxygen toxicity. High concentrations of oxygen, particularly at increased pressures, can cause neurotoxic effects leading to muscle twitching, dizziness, and even convulsions.
D. Periorbital edema:
Periorbital edema is not a common manifestation of oxygen toxicity. It is more commonly associated with conditions related to fluid balance or kidney function.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Pneumothorax: A pneumothorax occurs when air accumulates in the pleural space, causing the lung to collapse. It often presents with unilateral chest pain, dyspnea, and diminished or absent breath sounds on the affected side.
B. Atelectasis: Atelectasis refers to the collapse of alveoli in the lungs, often caused by obstruction, compression, or lack of surfactant. Symptoms include hypoxemia, diminished breath sounds, and shortness of breath.
C. Hemothorax: A hemothorax occurs when blood accumulates in the pleural space. It typically presents with chest pain, dyspnea, and diminished or absent breath sounds on the affected side.
D. Flail Chest: Flail chest results from multiple rib fractures that create a free-floating segment of the chest wall. This condition causes paradoxical chest movement, where the chest wall segment moves inward during inspiration and outward during expiration.
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