A nurse is assessing a client who returned to the medical-surgical unit 45 minutes ago following a therapeutic thoracentesis for a large right-sided pleural effusion. During the procedure, 1,200 mL of fluid was removed. Which assessment finding is the most critical indicator that the client is developing a severe physiological complication requiring immediate intervention?
- Sudden onset of tachypnea, absent breath sounds on the right side, and a tracheal deviation toward the leftCevap
- BArterial blood gas results indicating a pH of 7.46, a PaCO2 of 32 mm Hg, and a PaO2 of 88 mm Hg
- CThe client preferring to lie on the unaffected side and expressing a refusal to lie flat
- DClient report of a pulling sensation and localized pain rated as 4 out of 10 at the puncture site
Cevap
The sudden onset of tachypnea, absent breath sounds on the right side, and a tracheal deviation toward the left.
The correct answer highlights sudden tachypnea, absent breath sounds on the right side, and a tracheal deviation toward the left. These are classic, late-stage clinical manifestations of a tension pneumothorax, a severe and life-threatening complication that can occur after a thoracentesis if the visceral pleura is punctured. The tracheal deviation away from the affected side indicates a critical pressure buildup in the pleural space, requiring emergent needle decompression or chest tube placement to prevent cardiovascular collapse.
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Anahtar Kavram
Monitoring for and identifying early signs of post-thoracentesis complications, specifically tension pneumothorax, to reduce client risk.