Thoracentesis

A nurse is reviewing a client's chart and notes an order for a thoracentesis. Which of the following conditions would the nurse anticipate as the most common reason for this procedure?

• A. Pneumonia unresponsive to antibiotics

• B. Suspected pulmonary embolism

• C. Pleural effusion of unknown etiology

• D. Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

A nurse is monitoring a client after a thoracentesis. The client suddenly develops a persistent cough and reports feeling "short of breath." The nurse also observes that the client's trachea is deviated to the unaffected side. The nurse suspects which of the following complications?

• A. Infection

• B. Hemothorax

• C. Tension pneumothorax

• D. Re-expansion pulmonary edema