Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 94%
Full-length
The client with malignant left pleural effusion undergoes a thoracentesis and 900 mL of excess pleural fluid is removed. Which of these manifestations, if noted on the post-procedure assessment, should the nurse report to the health care provider immediately?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
Asymmetrical chest expansion and decreased breath sounds (A) suggest pneumothorax, a serious post-thoracentesis complication. Hypotension (B), pain (C), and mild tachypnea (D) are less urgent or expected.