A nurse is collecting data from a client who is 2 days postoperative. The nurse auscultates bilateral breath sounds but absent breath sounds in the bases. The nurse should suspect which of the following postoperative complications?

A. Preparing the sterile field. This is the responsibility of the scrub person, not the circulating nurse. The circulating nurse is responsible for ensuring everything is in place and the environment is safe, but the sterile field is prepared by the scrub person.

B. Pointing out the observation of contamination immediately to the personnel involved. The circulating nurse is responsible for monitoring the sterile field and surgical environment and immediately pointing out any breaches in sterile technique or contamination to ensure patient safety.

C. Assisting with sterile draping of the patient. The scrub person usually assists with draping the patient in a sterile manner. The circulating nurse may provide the necessary sterile drapes but does not typically assist with the draping procedure directly.

D. Maintaining an accurate count of sponges. The responsibility for counting sponges, instruments, and other items used during the surgery belongs to the scrub person, not the circulating nurse.

A. Distract the client by giving him reading material. Distraction may not address the underlying anxiety and could delay processing the client's concerns about the surgery.

B. Suggest that he take a walk around the unit. While walking can help with anxiety in some patients, it does not directly address the client's expressed concern about the surgery itself.

C. Ask him to describe his concerns. The nurse should acknowledge the patient's feelings by encouraging them to express their concerns. This helps reduce anxiety and provides valuable information for further support.

D. Refer him to the spiritual care team. While spiritual care may be beneficial later, it’s essential to first address the patient’s immediate concerns before referring them to other services.