A nurse is monitoring a client who has just had a thoracentesis to remove pleural fluid. Which of the following clinical manifestations should indicate to the nurse the client is experiencing a complication and the provider should be notified immediately?
Serosanguineous drainage from the puncture site
Discomfort at the puncture site
Increased heart rate
Decreased temperature
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Serosanguineous drainage from the puncture site is an expected finding after a thoracentesis and does not typically indicate a complication.
Choice B reason: Discomfort at the puncture site is common following a thoracentesis and does not necessarily indicate a complication.
Choice C reason: The correct answer is c because an increased heart rate can be a sign of respiratory distress or hypovolemia, which are potential complications of a thoracentesis. This finding warrants immediate notification of the provider.
Choice D reason: A decreased temperature is not a common complication of thoracentesis and is less relevant than the other options. It is more important to monitor for signs of respiratory distress or circulatory changes.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Positioning the client supine may increase intracranial pressure. The client should be positioned with the head of the bed elevated to promote drainage and reduce pressure.
Choice B reason: The correct answer is b because changing the nasal drip pad as needed helps monitor for excessive drainage, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, and infection following pituitary gland removal.
Choice C reason: Frequent brushing of teeth should be avoided initially to prevent disruption of the surgical site and decrease the risk of infection. Gentle oral hygiene can be encouraged instead.
Choice D reason: Encouraging the client to cough every 2 hours can increase intracranial pressure and is not recommended following pituitary gland surgery. Deep breathing exercises without coughing are more appropriate.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: An apical pulse rate different than the radial pulse rate is known as a pulse deficit, which can indicate atrial fibrillation or other cardiac arrhythmias, but it is not related to paradoxical blood pressure or constrictive pericarditis.
Choice B reason: An increase in heart rate by 20% when standing is indicative of orthostatic hypotension, not paradoxical blood pressure. This condition involves a drop in blood pressure upon standing, leading to a compensatory increase in heart rate.
Choice C reason: A drop in systolic BP by 20 mm Hg when moving from a lying to a sitting position is another indicator of orthostatic hypotension, not paradoxical blood pressure.
Choice D reason: The correct answer is d because a drop in systolic BP of more than 10 mm Hg on inspiration, known as pulsus paradoxus, is a characteristic finding in constrictive pericarditis. This occurs due to the impaired filling of the heart during inspiration, leading to a significant drop in systolic blood pressure.
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