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 D
Explanation
The correct answer is choiced. Children usually resume their toileting behaviors when they leave the hospital.
Choice A rationale:
While it is true that hospitalization can be stressful for preschoolers, providing diapers may not be necessary. Regression in toileting is often temporary and related to the stress of the hospital environment.
Choice B rationale:
Initiating a retraining program immediately after returning home may not be necessary. Most children will naturally resume their previous toileting behaviors once they are back in a familiar and less stressful environment.
Choice C rationale:
Bringing a potty chair from home can be helpful in some cases, but it is not always practical or necessary. The child is likely to resume normal toileting behaviors once they are back in their usual environment.
Choice D rationale:
This is the correct answer because children often regress in their toileting behaviors due to the stress and unfamiliarity of the hospital environment.Once they return home, they typically resume their previous toileting habits.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Incorrect - While a salad includes vegetables and fruits, it may not provide sufficient protein for wound healing.
B) Incorrect - Vegetable soup and crackers might not provide enough protein compared to other options.
C) Incorrect - While a peanut butter sandwich includes some protein, soda and cookies are not rich sources of protein.
D) Correct- A tuna fish sandwich is a good source of protein. Protein is essential for wound healing as it supports tissue repair and regeneration. The choice of a tuna fish sandwich along with chips and ice cream suggests a balanced meal with adequate protein content, which aligns with the teaching of a high protein diet to promote wound healing.
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