Test Bank for Medical Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Interprofessional Collaborative Care 10th Edition - Assessment of the Respiratory System Related

Review Test Bank for Medical Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Interprofessional Collaborative Care 10th Edition - Assessment of the Respiratory System related questions and content

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

  • A. Oxygen saturation is 92% after a 12-minute walk
  • B. A small amount of drainage from the site is noted
  • C. Pulse oximetry is 95% on 2 liters of oxygen
  • D. The trachea is deviated toward the opposite side of the neck
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A deviated trachea indicates a tension pneumothorax, a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention. Other findings, such as small drainage or 95% pulse oximetry, are normal or near-normal and do not require urgent action.