The nurse is caring for a client on the third day following abdominal surgery and assesses the absence of bowel sounds, abdominal distention, and the client passing no flatus. These findings indicate the client is experiencing which of the following postoperative complications?

a. Increasing dyspnea: Atelectasis is the collapse of alveoli, leading to decreased lung volume and impaired gas exchange. Dyspnea (difficulty breathing) is a common symptom as the lung's ability to oxygenate the blood is compromised.

b. Dry cough: A dry cough may be present, but it is not specific to atelectasis. It can occur for various reasons postoperatively.

c. Facial flushing: Facial flushing is not a typical finding in atelectasis. It is more commonly associated with conditions such as fever or allergic reactions.

d. Decreasing respiratory rate: Atelectasis can lead to increased respiratory rate as the body tries to compensate for decreased lung function. A decreasing respiratory rate would be less likely in the presence of atelectasis.

a. A sensory warning that a seizure is imminent: An aura is a subjective sensation or warning that a seizure is about to occur. It can manifest as visual, auditory, or other sensory experiences.

b. A brief loss of consciousness accompanied by staring: This describes an absence seizure, not an aura. Absence seizures are characterized by a brief loss of consciousness without convulsions.

c. A continuous seizure state in which seizures occur in rapid succession: This describes status epilepticus, not an aura. Status epilepticus is a medical emergency characterized by prolonged or rapidly recurring seizures.

d. A period of sleepiness following the seizure during which arousal is difficult: This describes the postictal state, not an aura. The postictal state is a period of altered consciousness or

sleepiness that may follow a seizure.