The nurse is caring for a client after a thoracentesis that drained 50 mL of clear fluid from the left lung. Which assessment finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider immediately?

A) Incorrect- Dullness bilaterally on percussion is not a normal finding, but it is not an immediate concern after thoracentesis. It may indicate fluid accumulation or consolidation in both lungs, which could be related to other conditions such as pneumonia or heart failure.
B) Incorrect- Serosanguinous drainage from the chest tube is expected after thoracentesis, as long as it is not excessive or continuous. The nurse should monitor the amount and color of the drainage and document it accordingly.
C) Incorrect- Diminished breath sounds in the left lower lobe are also expected after thoracentesis, as the procedure removes fluid and air from the pleural space and reduces lung expansion. The nurse should auscultate the lungs before and after the procedure and compare the findings. The breath sounds should improve gradually as the lung re-expands.
D) Correct- This is a sign of tension pneumothorax, which is a life-threatening complication of thoracentesis. Tension pneumothorax occurs when air accumulates in the pleural space and creates positive pressure that pushes the mediastinum (the heart, great vessels, and trachea) to the opposite side of the chest. This can impair venous return, cardiac output, and respiratory function. The nurse should report this finding to the healthcare provider immediately and prepare to assist with needle decompression or chest tube insertion.

Course breath sounds - Respiratory Distress

Decreased level of consciousness - Cerebral Edema

Seizure activity - Cerebral Edema

Irritability - Both (Can be associated with both cerebral edema and respiratory distress)

Bradycardia - Cerebral Edema

Rationale:

Course breath sounds - Respiratory Distress

Course breath sounds could indicate the presence of secretions or fluid in the airways, which is a sign of respiratory distress. It suggests that there might be a problem with the airway or lung function.

Decreased level of consciousness - Cerebral Edema

A decreased level of consciousness can be a sign of cerebral edema, which is the swelling of the brain due to increased intracranial pressure. This can lead to changes in the child's mental status and responsiveness.

Seizure activity - Cerebral Edema

Seizure activity can be a manifestation of cerebral edema. Swelling and pressure in the brain can irritate brain tissue and lead to seizures.

Irritability - Both (Can be associated with both cerebral edema and respiratory distress) Irritability can be seen in both cerebral edema and respiratory distress. In cerebral edema, the pressure on the brain can cause discomfort and irritability. In respiratory distress, the child may be uncomfortable due to difficulty breathing.

Bradycardia - Cerebral Edema

Bradycardia (slow heart rate) can be associated with increased intracranial pressure and cerebral edema. It can be a response to the pressure on the brain.