The nurse is caring for the client following a thoracentesis. (Select the 3 findings that require immediate follow-up.)

A. Prepare to administer a sedative:
Administering a sedative is not the priority in this situation. The client is experiencing shortness of breath, tachycardia, and hypoxemia, indicating a respiratory issue that needs immediate attention. Sedation can further depress the respiratory drive and exacerbate the hypoxemia.

B. Assess for indications of pulmonary embolism:
While the client's symptoms could be related to a pulmonary embolism, the priority at this moment is to address the immediate respiratory distress. Administering oxygen is crucial before further diagnostic assessments can take place. Once the client is stabilized, additional assessments can be performed to explore the cause of the symptoms.

C. Administer oxygen via face mask:
This is the correct and priority intervention. The client is hypoxic (SaO2 86%) with a low PaO2 and high respiratory rate. Administering oxygen via a face mask aims to improve oxygenation and relieve the hypoxemia associated with the respiratory distress.

D. Prepare for mechanical ventilation:
Mechanical ventilation may be considered if the client's respiratory distress is severe and not responsive to oxygen therapy. However, the immediate step is to administer oxygen via a face mask. If the client's condition does not improve with oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation may be the next step.

A. Decreased lung sounds
A decrease in lung sounds could indicate a pneumothorax, which is a potential complication of thoracentesis. It requires prompt evaluation.

B. Heart rate 110/min and regular
A heart rate of 110/min is within a normal range, and regular rhythm is generally acceptable post-thoracentesis. It may be related to pain or anxiety but is not an immediate concern.

C. Oxygen saturation of 95%
An oxygen saturation of 95% is within an acceptable range. While maintaining adequate oxygenation is important, this finding does not suggest an immediate complication.

D. Subcutaneous emphysema
Subcutaneous emphysema involves the presence of air in the subcutaneous tissues and can indicate a communication between the pleural space and subcutaneous tissues. This requires immediate attention.

E. Trachea midline
The trachea being midline is a normal finding and does not indicate an immediate problem post-thoracentesis.

F. Puncture site dry
A dry puncture site is expected after a thoracentesis. This finding is normal and indicates appropriate wound care. It is included in the list to ensure recognition of normal post-procedure findings.