A patient that recently underwent a thoracentesis is being assessed by the nurse. Which of the following assessment findings is most concerning to the nurse?

Explanation

•After a thoracentesis, the nurse should be alert for signs of a pneumothorax. This includes diminished breath sounds, retractions, dyspnea, increased respiratory rate, and cyanosis.

•A respiratory rate of 25 or expiratory wheezes can be indicative of many pathological or physiological processes, not just pneumothorax.

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