Antonio is a patient who is on his first day following a right pneumonectomy. After the morning rounds, he suddenly sits straight up in bed. He has labored breathing; he is making a crowing sound; and his skin is pale, moist, and cool to touch. The nurse should immediately:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse should immediately auscultate the left lung. Assessment of the airway would be the priority. A mediastinal shift with airway obstruction may occur because pressure builds up on the operative side, causing the trachea to deviate toward the nonoperative side.

Antonio Is a Patient Who Is on His First Day