Questions for the Respiratory System Related

Review Questions for the Respiratory System related questions and content

A nurse assesses a client after a thoracentesis. Which assessment finding warrants immediate action?

  • A. The client rates pain as a 5/10 at the site of the procedure.
  • B. A small amount of drainage from the site is noted.
  • C. Pulse oximetry is 93% on 2 liters of oxygen.
  • D. The trachea is deviated toward the opposite side of the neck.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because tracheal deviation indicates a potential pneumothorax, a life-threatening complication of thoracentesis. Trachea should be midline. A, B, and C are incorrect because mild pain, small drainage, and slightly decreased oxygen saturation are expected findings post-thoracentesis and do not necessitate immediate action.