Respiratory System NCLEX Practice Questions Related

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The nurse is caring for a client who has just had a thoracentesis. Which assessment information obtained by the nurse is a priority to communicate to the health care provider?

  • A. O2 saturation is 88%
  • B. Blood pressure is 155/90 mm Hg.
  • C. Respiratory rate is 24 breaths/min when lying flat.
  • D. Pain level is 5 (on 0 to 10 scale) with a deep breath.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because a low O2 saturation level (88%) indicates potential respiratory compromise or hypoxemia post-thoracentesis, which requires immediate intervention to prevent hypoxia. The other choices are not as critical: B (BP slightly elevated but not urgent), C (RR slightly elevated but expected after procedure), and D (Pain at level 5 with deep breath is common post-thoracentesis and can be managed).