During a central IV line insertion at the bedside, a client reports shortness of breath and becomes tachypneic. Which finding should a nurse suspect indicates the client developed a pneumothorax?

Muffled heart sounds.

Sudden hemoptysis.

Absent breath sounds on the affected side.

Declining respiratory rate.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale
Muffled heart sounds are not a typical sign of pneumothorax. They are more commonly associated with conditions such as pericardial effusion or cardiac tamponade.
Choice B rationale
Sudden hemoptysis, or coughing up blood, is not a typical sign of pneumothorax. It is more commonly associated with conditions such as pulmonary embolism or lung cancer.
Choice C rationale
Absent breath sounds on the affected side is a typical sign of pneumothorax. When air enters the pleural space and causes the lung to collapse, breath sounds may be absent or significantly decreased on the affected side.
Choice D rationale
A declining respiratory rate is not a typical sign of pneumothorax. In fact, a rapid respiratory rate (tachypnea) is more commonly observed in pneumothorax due to the body’s attempt to compensate for the decreased lung capacity.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Placing a tracheostomy tray at the client’s bedside is not the first action a nurse should take when a client is diagnosed with ARDS. While a tracheostomy may be necessary in some cases, it is not the immediate priority.
Choice B rationale
Administering IV prophylaxis for thromboembolism is important in the management of ARDS, but it is not the first action a nurse should take. The immediate priority is to ensure adequate oxygenation.
Choice C rationale
Preparing to assist with intubation of the client is the first action a nurse should take when a client is diagnosed with ARDS. Intubation and mechanical ventilation are often required to ensure adequate oxygenation in clients with ARDS3.
Choice D rationale
Administering IV prophylaxis for stress ulcers is important in the management of ARDS, but it is not the first action a nurse should take. The immediate priority is to ensure adequate oxygenation.

A. Encourage the client to take breaks from oxygen use to prevent tolerance. B. Maintain nasal oxygen at a 1 to 2 liter/minute flow rate. C. Assess cheeks and posterior ears for signs of skin breakdown. D. Teach the client how to safely increase oxygen flow when they deem necessary.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale
While it is important to monitor oxygen use to prevent hypoxia and hypercapnia, taking breaks from oxygen use is not typically recommended for clients with COPD. These clients often require supplemental oxygen to maintain adequate oxygen saturation.
Choice B rationale
Maintaining a low flow rate of oxygen is crucial in clients with COPD. These clients are often “CO2 retainers,” and administering a high concentration of oxygen can suppress their respiratory drive, leading to further CO2 retention and respiratory distress.
Choice C rationale
While it is important to assess for signs of skin breakdown in clients receiving oxygen therapy, this is not the priority when administering nasal oxygen to a client with COPD38.
Choice D rationale
Clients should not adjust their oxygen flow rate without medical supervision. Increasing the oxygen flow rate can lead to hyperoxia, which can be harmful, especially in clients with COPD who are CO2 retainers.

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During a central IV line insertion at the bedside, a client reports shortness of breath and becomes tachypneic. Which finding should a nurse suspect indicates the client developed a pneumothorax?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client has been diagnosed in the Emergency Department with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Which of the following actions should a nurse perform first?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which precaution should the nurse prioritize when administering nasal oxygen therapy to the client?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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