A nurse is evaluating a -year-old client who underwent a left-sided thoracentesis hours ago for the treatment of a large pleural effusion secondary to heart failure. Which of the following assessment findings indicate a potential life-threatening complication and require immediate intervention? Select all that apply.
- Asymmetrical chest wall expansion with diminished breath sounds on the left sideCevap
- A narrowing pulse pressure accompanied by a steady increase in resting heart rateCevap
- CArterial blood gas results showing a pH of , PaCO of mm Hg, and PaO of mm Hg on room air
- DClient report of localized pain rating a on a to scale at the posterior puncture site
- Sudden development of a severe, continuous cough producing pink, frothy sputumCevap
Cevap
The correct findings that indicate life-threatening complications are asymmetrical chest wall expansion with diminished breath sounds, a narrowing pulse pressure with an increasing heart rate, and a severe cough producing pink, frothy sputum.
A thoracentesis carries risks of severe physiological complications, primarily pneumothorax, hemothorax leading to hypovolemic shock, and re-expansion pulmonary edema. Asymmetrical chest expansion and diminished breath sounds on the affected side are classic indicators of a pneumothorax, which can rapidly progress to a tension pneumothorax. A narrowing pulse pressure combined with a steadily increasing resting heart rate represents the body's compensatory mechanism during early hypovolemic or hemorrhagic shock. Finally, the sudden development of a severe, continuous cough producing pink, frothy sputum is the hallmark sign of re-expansion pulmonary edema, a medical emergency that can occur when a large volume of fluid is rapidly drained from the pleural space. All three of these findings indicate impending physiological decompensation and demand immediate intervention.
Adım Adım Çözüm
Anahtar Kavram
Early recognition of thoracentesis complications (pneumothorax, shock, pulmonary edema) is critical for reducing the risk of physiological decompensation.