The nurse cares for a patient who has just had a thoracentesis. Which assessment information obtained by the nurse is a priority to communicate to the health care provider?
a. Oxygen saturation is 88%.
b. Blood pressure is 145/90 mm Hg.
c. Respiratory rate is 22 breaths/minute when lying flat.
d. Pain level is 5 (on 0 to 10 scale) with a deep breath.
ANS: A
Oxygen saturation would be expected to improve after a thoracentesis. A saturation of 88% indicates that a complication such as pneumothorax may be occurring. The other assessment data also indicate a need for ongoing assessment or intervention, but the low oxygen saturation is the priority.
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