Saunders Respiratory Practice

What clinical sign is indicative of the need for further investigation in a patient post-biopsy?

1. Minimal pain at the site

2. Fever under 100 degrees

3. Severe respiratory distress

4. Patchy pulmonary infiltrates on imaging

The correct answer is: Severe respiratory distress

Severe respiratory distress post-biopsy is an indicator that warrants further investigation due to its potential link to significant underlying issues. This clinical sign suggests the need for immediate evaluation, as it could indicate complications such as pneumothorax, infection, or an allergic reaction to a sedative or anesthesia used during the procedure. The presence of respiratory distress signals a compromise in the patient’s respiratory function, requiring prompt assessment to determine the cause and implement appropriate management. In contrast, minimal pain at the site may be considered a normal postoperative finding and typically does not necessitate further investigation unless it is unusually severe or persists. A fever under 100 degrees could be an expected post-procedural response or mild transient reaction, thus generally not alarming unless accompanied by other concerning signs. Patchy pulmonary infiltrates may indicate an underlying condition, but in the presence of stable vital signs and without distress, they may not require as urgent an investigation compared to respiratory distress. Thus, the presence of severe respiratory distress stands out as a critical sign needing immediate attention.