A nurse is caring for a client who has a tension pneumothorax. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?

Rationale: A. Paradoxical chest movement: Paradoxical chest movement is typically associated with flail chest, where multiple rib fractures cause a segment of the chest wall to move in the opposite direction during breathing. It is not a characteristic finding of tension pneumothorax, which involves intrathoracic pressure buildup rather than rib instability. B. Bilateral crackles: Bilateral crackles are usually indicative of fluid in the alveoli, such as in pulmonary edema or pneumonia. Tension pneumothorax generally causes decreased or absent breath sounds on the affected side, not crackles, due to lung collapse. C. Asymmetry of the chest: Tension pneumothorax often causes visible asymmetry of the chest because the affected side may appear distended while the other side may appear sunken. The increased intrathoracic pressure pushes mediastinal structures toward the unaffected side, making chest asymmetry a hallmark sign. D. Blood-tinged sputum: Blood-tinged sputum is more commonly seen with pulmonary infections, trauma to the airway, or pulmonary embolism. It is not a primary manifestation of tension pneumothorax, which is primarily characterized by respiratory distress and unilateral findings.