The nurse is caring for a patient who sustained rib fractures with dropping Sa02 and BP. The nurse assesses that breath sounds are absent throughout the left lung fields. The nurse notifies the physician and anticipates which order?

Rationale: A. This is incorrect because although airway support may eventually be needed, the priority problem suggested by absent breath sounds on one side with hypotension and hypoxia is a tension pneumothorax, which must be treated immediately. Intubation alone does not relieve trapped air and can actually worsen the condition. B. This is incorrect because a chest x-ray should not delay emergency treatment. In a suspected tension pneumothorax, the diagnosis is clinical, and immediate intervention is required to prevent cardiovascular collapse. C. This is correct because absent breath sounds on one side, falling oxygen saturation, and hypotension after chest trauma are classic signs of a tension pneumothorax. Emergency treatment is needle thoracostomy to rapidly relieve pressure, followed by chest tube insertion to allow continuous lung re-expansion and prevent recurrence. D. This is incorrect because while hypotension may be present, it is due to impaired venous return from increased intrathoracic pressure, not fluid loss. Administering fluids does not correct the underlying cause and should not delay definitive treatment.