The chest exam will usually reveal localized or diffuse rales. A non-productive cough is common. CVA tenderness is found if patients have the post-pyelonephritis respiratory distress syndrome. The easiest study to perform is a bedside oxygen saturation monitor. Chest radiograph often reveals a diffuse, non-localizing pattern of haziness in the bases and hilum.
Pleural effusions are rare.
There is the expected cardiomegaly seen in pregnant patients on chest radiograph. Adequate airway protection is essential, and intubation should always be performed if the patient cannot be ventilated adequately by mask oxygen. A 7.5 mm or 8 mm endotracheal tube is usually adequate for an adult female. Hyperventilation should be avoided. Tidal volumes of 650-800 ml are usually adequate for an adult female.