Immediately following a liver biopsy,the patient becomes dyspneic,the pulse increases to 100,and no breath sounds can be heard on the affected side.What should the nurse suspect?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described are indicative of a pneumothorax, which is a collection of air or gas in the chest or pleural space that causes part or all of a lung to collapse. The sudden onset of dyspnea (difficulty breathing), increased pulse, and absence of breath sounds on one side are classic signs of a pneumothorax, which can occur as a complication of a liver biopsy due to accidental puncture of the pleural space during the procedure.

Immediately Following a Liver Biopsy,the Patient Becomes Dyspneic,the Pulse Increases