Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 62%
Simulated
A nurse is assessing a client who has postoperative atelectasis and is hypoxic. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
Intercostal retractions indicate respiratory distress and hypoxia due to increased work of breathing in atelectasis. Hypoxia typically causes restlessness, tachycardia, and tachypnea, not lethargy, bradycardia, or bradypnea.