A female client is exhibiting signs of respiratory distress. Which of the following signs indicate a possible pneumothorax?

Question

Options

• ACrackles or rales on the affected side
• BBradypnea and bradycardia
• CShortness of breath and sharp pain on the affected side
• DIncreased breath sounds on the affected side

• B
  7% (2)
• C
  90% (26)
• D
  3% (1)

Explanation

(A) With a pneumothorax, air occupies the pleural space. Crackles or rales are heard with increased fluid or secretions and would not be present with air in the space. (B) With a pneumothorax, the client would experience tachypnea and tachycardia to compensate for the decrease in oxygenation. (C) Symptoms of pneumothorax include shortness of breath, sharp pain on the affected side with movement or coughing, asymmetrical chest expansion, and diminished or absent breath sounds on the affected side. (D) With a pneumothorax, breath sounds would be decreased on the affected side (indicates air in the pleural space).

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