What finding should a nurse report to the physician after a client has undergone thoracentesis?

What finding should a nurse report to the physician after a client has undergone thoracentesis?

• A. Unequal chest expansion
• B. Diminished breath sounds in the right lung
• C. Increased heart rate
• D. Persistent coughing

Answer: (A)

After a client has undergone thoracentesis, the most important finding that a nurse should report to the physician is unequal chest expansion. This can indicate a problem such as a collapsed lung (pneumothorax) or the development of fluid in the pleural space. Thoracentesis is performed to remove fluid from the pleural space, and any sign of compromised lung function is critical to address promptly. While diminished breath sounds in the right lung, increased heart rate, and persistent coughing may also be concerning, they are not as directly indicative of a complication related to the procedure itself as unequal chest expansion. Diminished breath sounds could occur due to various reasons, including conditions other than post-thoracentesis complications, and hence might not necessitate immediate reporting. Increased heart rate could be a non-specific response to anxiety or pain. Persistent coughing may occur for different reasons post-procedure, although if it escalates, it should definitely be monitored closely. Nonetheless, the immediate priority is to resolve any signs of respiratory distress, which is best indicated by assessing chest expansion.

After a client has undergone thoracentesis, the most important finding that a nurse should report to the physician is unequal chest expansion. This can indicate a problem such as a collapsed lung (pneumothorax) or the development of fluid in the pleural space. Thoracentesis is performed to remove fluid from the pleural space, and any sign of compromised lung function is critical to address promptly.

While diminished breath sounds in the right lung, increased heart rate, and persistent coughing may also be concerning, they are not as directly indicative of a complication related to the procedure itself as unequal chest expansion. Diminished breath sounds could occur due to various reasons, including conditions other than post-thoracentesis complications, and hence might not necessitate immediate reporting. Increased heart rate could be a non-specific response to anxiety or pain. Persistent coughing may occur for different reasons post-procedure, although if it escalates, it should definitely be monitored closely. Nonetheless, the immediate priority is to resolve any signs of respiratory distress, which is best indicated by assessing chest expansion.