The nurse is caring for a patient on mechanical ventilation with positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP). When assessing the patient, which finding would indicate the possibility of tension pneumothorax?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tension pneumothorax is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when air leaks into the pleural space and cannot escape, leading to increased pressure on the affected lung and mediastinal shift. One of the hallmark signs of tension pneumothorax is the sudden onset of absent or reduced breath sounds over the affected lung. While the other options may also be relevant to the patient's condition, they do not specifically suggest tension pneumothorax.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient on Mechanical Ventilation