A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is postoperative following a pneumonectomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

a. Position the client on the nonoperative side: The client should be positioned on the operative side to facilitate expansion of the remaining lung.

b. Monitor respiratory status every 8 hr: Postoperative respiratory status should be monitored more frequently than every 8 hours to assess for complications, especially in the initial

postoperative period.

c. Elevate the head of the bed to a 15° angle: The head of the bed should be elevated to a higher angle (usually 30-45 degrees) to promote optimal lung expansion and reduce the risk of

complications such as atelectasis.

d. Encourage the client to splint the incision when coughing: Encouraging the client to splint the incision when coughing helps minimize pain and supports effective coughing to prevent

complications such as atelectasis.

a. Apply a warm cloth over the client's eyes: This intervention is not typically indicated for a client who had a craniotomy. It is important to monitor for signs of increased intracranial pressure, but a warm cloth over the eyes is not a standard intervention.

b. Place the client in a supine position: The position of the client after a craniotomy will depend on the surgeon's preference. It is important to follow specific postoperative positioning

instructions, which may or may not include supine positioning.

c. Maintain seizure precautions: Seizure precautions are crucial for clients who have had a craniotomy, as they are at an increased risk of seizures postoperatively.

d. Obtain a prescription for an opioid medication for pain: Pain management is important, but opioid medications may be carefully titrated due to the potential for respiratory depression and other side effects. It is not the primary intervention in the immediate postoperative period.