Which condition should the nurse monitor for in a patient with COPD on PEEP experiencing sudden chest pain?

In a patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) who is undergoing Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) therapy and experiences sudden chest pain, monitoring for decreased tidal volume is critical. PEEP enhances ventilation by preventing alveolar collapse at the end of expiration, which can improve oxygenation. However, if this patient experiences sudden chest pain, it may indicate a potential complication such as a pneumothorax or pulmonary embolism which can lead to decreased lung function.

In such situations, the tidal volume, the amount of air moved into or out of the lungs with each breath, could be compromised due to decreased lung compliance or air-dynamic changes. Assessing tidal volume is essential as a reduction could signal inadequate gas exchange and respiratory failure, which needs immediate attention. Thus, vigilant monitoring of tidal volume in the context of sudden chest pain could provide crucial insights into the patient's respiratory status and the emergence of significant complications.