The nurse is caring for the patient who has recently recovered from a spontaneous pneumothorax. The nurse palpates the patient's left shoulder area and feels a "Rice Krispies" presence under the skin. What best describes this symptom?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The "Rice Krispies" sensation, medically known as subcutaneous emphysema, occurs when air leaks into the subcutaneous tissues. This can happen after a pneumothorax, especially if there was a tear or leak in the lung that allowed air to escape into the surrounding tissue.

The Nurse Is Caring for the Patient Who Has Recently