Anewborn with respiratory distress syndrome (rds) is receiving continuous positive airway pressure (cpap) therapy by way of an endotracheal tube. the nurse determines that the infant's breath sounds on the right side are diminished and that the point of maximum impulse (pmi) of the heartbeat is in the left axillary line. what is the interpretation of these assessment data and the appropriate nursing action?

This is a case of a patient with respiratory distress syndrome that underwent endotracheal intubation. The patient presents with decreased breath sounds on the right lung field as well as a mediastinal shift to the left (contralateral side) manifested by the shift of PMI from the normal midclavicular line to axillary line. This is a case of pneumothorax, considering the salient features of the case, since endotracheal intubation poses a risk factor especially in neonates to develop pneumothorax.

The fact that the female was seizing before my arrival would be the most useful information for providers, as they can already see that she is unresponsive and barely breathing upon their arrival.