A nurse is caring for a client admitted to the emergency department with a hemothorax. Lung sounds are clear on the right, diminished on the left. Trachea is midline. Oxygen saturation 92% on room air. Client reports pain 7/10. What is the priority nursing intervention at this time?

A. Prepare for needle thoracostomy: Needle thoracostomy is typically reserved for tension pneumothorax, where the trachea is deviated and there is severe respiratory distress. In this client, the trachea is midline and oxygenation is mildly reduced, making needle thoracostomy unnecessary at this time. B. Prepare for chest tube insertion: A hemothorax involves accumulation of blood in the pleural space, which can compromise lung expansion. Diminished breath sounds on the affected side and mild hypoxia indicate the need for chest tube placement to drain blood, re-expand the lung, and restore adequate oxygenation. C. Prepare oral pain medications: While pain management is important, oral medications alone will not address the underlying life-threatening issue of blood in the pleural space. Immediate intervention to evacuate the hemothorax takes priority over analgesia. D. Prepare for mechanical ventilation: Mechanical ventilation may be necessary if respiratory failure develops, but the client’s oxygen saturation of 92% and stable airway indicate that ventilation support is not immediately required. The focus should first be on resolving the hemothorax.