# Soon after central-line placement, a client develops sudden dyspnea, falling oxygen saturation and newly asymmetric breath sounds. Click the region in this schematic that best accounts for loss of normal lung expansion.

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=581182&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Physiological Adaptation  
> category: PA

## Question

Soon after central-line placement, a client develops sudden dyspnea, falling oxygen saturation and newly asymmetric breath sounds. Click the region in this schematic that best accounts for loss of normal lung expansion.

![](https://mymerci.kr/data/nclex/hotspot/regen_20260908_2350/HSR519.svg)

## Explanation

D lies outside the contracted right lung but inside its chest-wall pleural boundary.

## In-depth explanation

Quick answer
D. D lies outside the contracted right lung but inside its chest-wall pleural boundary.
Why this is the best choice
The depicted air collection separates the visceral and parietal surfaces, allowing the lung to recoil. This location, combined with the acute post-procedure respiratory change, supports urgent evaluation for pneumothorax. The diagram is not a diagnostic radiograph and does not establish tension physiology.
Clinical picture
The observations are fictional teaching data. Apply the stated context; the selected feature does not by itself replace a complete bedside assessment.
Memory hook
Air location matters: within the airway or lung differs from air in the pleural space.
Decision rule
Air location matters: within the airway or lung differs from air in the pleural space.
Why the other regions do not fit
A is the central airway, where air is normally present. B is the opposite lung tissue. C is central mediastinal tissue. D identifies the new abnormal compartment rather than simply a normally air-containing structure.
**Sources**
- Pleural air can cause lung collapse and acute respiratory symptoms, including after procedures.

## Key concepts

- **Pleural air separates the lung from the chest wall** — Air location matters: within the airway or lung differs from air in the pleural space.
- **Comparison with context** — A also contains air, but its normal anatomical compartment does not explain the new loss of expansion.

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