A nurse is applying cold therapy to a client's face following oral surgery. The nurse should identify that which of the following is a therapeutic effect of cold therapy?

Target 1: Paralytic ileus

• The client is 6 hours postoperative with hypoactive bowel sounds and no mention of flatus or stool. The use of IV opioids (morphine) increases the risk for reduced gastrointestinal motility. Paralytic ileus is common after abdominal surgery and with opioid use.

Target 2: Atelectasis

• The client has shallow bilateral breath sounds postoperatively, which indicates a risk for atelectasis, a common complication due to decreased mobility, pain limiting deep breathing, and effects of anesthesia.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices:

• Urinary tract infection: The client voided 350 mL of clear yellow urine after catheter removal with no signs of infection.
• Delayed wound healing: No signs of infection or poor wound healing; the dressing is dry and intact.
• Deep vein thrombosis: Though a risk postoperatively, the client is wearing SCDs and has even pedal pulses with no edema, lowering immediate concern.

A. "We can discuss this after completing the admission process." Delaying discussion about the client’s aggression may leave the partner feeling unheard and unsupported during an emotionally charged moment. Immediate acknowledgement is important to build trust and provide reassurance.

B. "Your partner is in the denial stage of grief." Verbal aggression is not typically linked to the denial stage of grief, which is more about avoidance or disbelief. Aggression is more often related to frustration, fear, or physiological changes at end of life.

C. "You should discuss this problem with your family members." Redirecting the partner to family members does not address their concerns directly and can seem dismissive. The nurse should provide direct support and clear information to help the partner understand the client’s behavior.

D. "Your partner is experiencing an expected response to the dying process." Verbal aggression can be a normal reaction to the stress, pain, or neurological changes associated with the dying process. Providing this explanation helps normalize the behavior, reducing anxiety for the partner and promoting understanding.