Which condition should the nurse watch for after a client undergoes a thoracentesis?

After a client undergoes a thoracentesis, the nurse should particularly monitor for unequal chest expansion. This condition can occur if there has been a complication from the procedure, such as a pneumothorax (collapse of a lung) or fluid accumulation that affects the dynamics of one side of the thoracic cavity compared to the other.

When a thoracentesis is performed, fluid or air is removed from the pleural space to relieve pressure or diagnose a condition. If the lung on the affected side does not expand properly post-procedure, it can lead to differences in expansion between the left and right sides of the chest during respiration. Monitoring for such signs is crucial, as they can indicate potential complications that may require prompt intervention.

Fever and chills, swelling at the insertion site, and decreased respiratory rate are other important assessments but are more indicative of infection or local trauma rather than immediate consequences of the thoracentesis itself impacting respiratory mechanics directly. Therefore, the most critical condition to observe for post-thoracentesis to ensure lung function is optimal is the equality of chest expansion.