Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 66%
Full-length
The nurse assesses a postoperative mastectomy client and notes the breath sounds are diminished in both posterior bases. The nurse's action should be to:
Correct answer
A
Rationale
Decreased or absent breath sounds are frequently indicators of postoperative atelectasis. Arterial blood gases are not indicated because there is no other information indicating impending danger. Increasing O2 rate is not indicated without additional information. Removing the dressing is not indicated without additional information.