The nurse is caring for a client after a thoracentesis that drained 50 mL of clear fluid from the left lung. Which assessment finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider immediately?
Dullness bilaterally on percussion.
Serosanguinous drainage from the chest tube.
Diminished breath sounds in the left lower lobe.
Mediastinal shift to the right.
The Correct Answer is D
A) Incorrect- Dullness bilaterally on percussion is not a normal finding, but it is not an immediate concern after thoracentesis. It may indicate fluid accumulation or consolidation in both lungs, which could be related to other conditions such as pneumonia or heart failure.
B) Incorrect- Serosanguinous drainage from the chest tube is expected after thoracentesis, as long as it is not excessive or continuous. The nurse should monitor the amount and color of the drainage and document it accordingly.
C) Incorrect- Diminished breath sounds in the left lower lobe are also expected after thoracentesis, as the procedure removes fluid and air from the pleural space and reduces lung expansion. The nurse should auscultate the lungs before and after the procedure and compare the findings. The breath sounds should improve gradually as the lung re-expands.
D) Correct- This is a sign of tension pneumothorax, which is a life-threatening complication of thoracentesis. Tension pneumothorax occurs when air accumulates in the pleural space and creates positive pressure that pushes the mediastinum (the heart, great vessels, and trachea) to the opposite side of the chest. This can impair venous return, cardiac output, and respiratory function. The nurse should report this finding to the healthcare provider immediately and prepare to assist with needle decompression or chest tube insertion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Incorrect- A blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg is within a generally acceptable range for a person with diabetes and coronary artery disease. It may not directly indicate a complication related to the episodes of confusion. While blood pressure management is important for clients with diabetes and coronary artery disease, this particular blood pressure reading is not necessarily a significant finding in relation to the client's confusion.
B) Correct- Cervical spine stiffness or neck stiffness is a potential neurological symptom that can indicate a serious complication in a client with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease. The stiffness of the neck may be a sign of meningeal irritation, which can result from various conditions including infections such as meningitis. The client's medical history includes both type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease, which are risk factors for cardiovascular events, including cerebrovascular accidents (strokes). Confusion can be a symptom of a stroke, and neck stiffness can be indicative of meningeal irritation secondary to a stroke or another neurological condition.
C) Incorrect- Dark yellow urine can be a sign of dehydration, which can be a concern for someone with diabetes. However, it is not directly related to episodes of confusion. Dehydration can cause various symptoms, but confusion is not typically associated with mild dehydration.
D) Incorrect- Excessive perspiration (diaphoresis) can occur for various reasons, including increased sympathetic nervous system activity, fever, anxiety, and physical activity. While it can be a symptom of certain complications, such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or heart attack, it alone may not directly relate to the episodes of confusion in this client.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D: Begin chest compressions at 100/minute.
Choice A rationale:
Observing for swelling at the fracture site is not immediately relevant in this emergency situation. The priority is to address the lack of pulse and respiration.
Choice B rationale:
Analyzing the cardiac rhythm in another lead is unnecessary when the patient has no pulse and is not breathing. Immediate life-saving measures are required.
Choice C rationale:
Obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram is not the priority in this scenario. The patient needs immediate resuscitation efforts.
Choice D rationale:
Beginning chest compressions at 100/minute is the correct intervention. The absence of a carotid pulse and spontaneous respirations indicates cardiac arrest, and chest compressions are essential to maintain circulation and oxygenation until further help arrives.
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