When the nurse enters the room of a male client who was admitted for a fractured femur, his cardiac monitor displays a normal sinus rhythm (NSR), but he has no spontaneous respirations and his carotid pulse is not palpable. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

MRSA is a highly contagious bacteria that can easily spread from person to person through direct contact or contact with contaminated surfaces. By instructing the family to adhere to contact precautions, the nurse can help prevent the spread of MRSA to the client's postoperative wound. Contact precautions typically involve wearing gloves and a gown when in direct contact with the client or the client's immediate environment.

While reporting any increase in the white blood cell count, changing the surgical dressing when soiled, and wearing a face mask during wound care are all important aspects of postoperative care, they are not specifically targeted at preventing the recurrence of MRSA. Adhering to contact precautions is the most effective measure to prevent the spread of MRSA and protect the client from further infection.

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.