Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 63%
Practice
Which assessment finding is the most critical and needs to be addressed first?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A because tracheal deviation after a pulmonary resection indicates a life-threatening condition like tension pneumothorax. This condition requires immediate intervention to prevent respiratory distress and potential cardiovascular collapse. Tracheal deviation is a red flag sign that signals a medical emergency. Options B, C, and D are important but not as urgent as tracheal deviation. Decreased urinary output in a bladder cancer patient could indicate renal dysfunction, dysrhythmias in a patient with non-Hodgkin lymphoma may need further evaluation, and severe abdominal pain post-bowel resection could signal complications but are not as immediately life-threatening as tracheal deviation.