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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Auscultating the lungs for the presence of breath sounds is a priority action following endotracheal intubation. This helps to confirm correct tube placement and assess for complications such as a pneumothorax.
Choice B rationale
While it is important to ensure that the pulse oximetry is greater than 95% to confirm adequate oxygenation, this is not the priority action. The nurse should first confirm correct tube placement by auscultating lung sounds.
Choice C rationale
Assessing the baseline level of consciousness is important, but it is not the priority action following endotracheal intubation.
Choice D rationale
Assessing for the presence of circumoral cyanosis can indicate hypoxia, but it is not the priority action. The nurse should first confirm correct tube placement by auscultating lung sounds.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While it’s important to reassure the patient, saying “It’s uncertain if your smoking led to the cancer” might be misleading. Smoking is a major risk factor for lung cancer, but it’s also true that not everyone who smokes gets lung cancer, and not everyone who gets lung cancer has smoked.
Choice B rationale
This response validates the patient’s feelings and opens up a dialogue about their specific fears. It allows the nurse to provide targeted education and reassurance.
Choice C rationale
Asking “Do you feel guilty because you used to smoke?” might make the patient feel more guilty or judged. It’s better to provide support and understanding.
Choice D rationale
While it’s true that fear is a normal reaction and that the healthcare team is there to support the patient, this response doesn’t address the patient’s specific concerns or feelings of guilt.
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