NCLEX-PN® ExaminationReduction of Risk PotentialMedium
A client undergoing a thoracentesis suddenly develops dyspnea, tachypnea, and diminished breath sounds on the affected side. The LPN should recognize these findings as indicative of which complication?
- APneumothorax
- BAcute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
- CPulmonary embolism
- DCardiac tamponade
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Pneumothorax
Dyspnea, tachypnea, and diminished breath sounds on the affected side following a thoracentesis are classic signs of a pneumothorax, a common and serious complication where air enters the pleural space, causing lung collapse.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. ARDS is a severe lung condition caused by widespread inflammation, not typically an immediate complication directly after thoracentesis.
- C. Pulmonary embolism presents with sudden dyspnea and chest pain, but diminished breath sounds are not a primary indicator.
- D. Cardiac tamponade involves fluid accumulation around the heart, leading to muffled heart sounds, hypotension, and jugular venous distention, not primarily diminished breath sounds.
Pneumothorax
A condition in which air leaks into the space between the lung and chest wall (pleural space), causing the lung to collapse.
- Can be spontaneous, traumatic, or iatrogenic (e.g., after thoracentesis)
- Symptoms include sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, diminished breath sounds
- Treatment often involves chest tube insertion
Memory trick: Post-Procedure Problems: Ponder Patient's Pains!