A patient has been diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). For what other health condition should the healthcare professional assess this patient for as the priority?

A. Chest pain: While chest pain can occur in various pulmonary diseases, it is not as universally common or characteristic as cough. Chest pain may be more indicative of specific conditions rather than a broad symptom associated with pulmonary disease.

B. Cough: Cough is one of the most common symptoms associated with pulmonary disease, often occurring in conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and bronchitis. It serves as a protective reflex to clear airways and is frequently reported by patients with pulmonary issues.

C. Hemoptysis: Hemoptysis, or coughing up blood, can be a significant symptom in certain pulmonary conditions (e.g., lung cancer, pulmonary embolism), but it is not as common across all pulmonary diseases. It is typically more specific to particular conditions.

D. Digit clubbing: Digit clubbing is a physical finding associated with chronic pulmonary diseases, particularly those that cause long-term hypoxia (e.g., cystic fibrosis, interstitial lung disease). However, it is less common than cough and typically develops over time rather than being a frequent presenting symptom.

A. Pulse oximetry 98%: A pulse oximetry reading of 98% indicates adequate oxygen saturation, which does not strongly suggest a pneumothorax. Patients with a pneumothorax may have lower oxygen saturation levels, but this reading alone is not indicative of the condition.

B. Diminished breath sounds over painful chest area: Diminished breath sounds are a significant clinical manifestation of pneumothorax, as air in the pleural space prevents normal lung expansion and decreases airflow to the affected side.

C. Respiratory rate 34: An elevated respiratory rate (tachypnea) is often observed in patients with pneumothorax as they may struggle to breathe effectively. This clinical manifestation indicates respiratory distress and is consistent with the condition.

D. ABG pH level of 7.38: A pH level of 7.38 indicates acidosis, which may occur in cases of pneumothorax due to impaired gas exchange and respiratory distress. This abnormal finding on arterial blood gases supports the suspicion of pneumothorax.

E. Asymmetrical chest movements, especially on inspiration: Asymmetrical chest movements are a classic sign of pneumothorax, where the affected lung does not expand as fully as the unaffected lung during inspiration, leading to visible differences in chest wall movement.