A nurse is assisting discharge planning for a client who has a new prescription for bi-level positive airway pressure (BIPAP). The nurse should plan to contact which of the following healthcare team members to educate the client?

A. After a lobectomy, a chest tube is commonly placed to help drain fluid or air from the pleural space, facilitating lung expansion and preventing complications such as pneumothorax or pleural effusion. It is a standard part of care following lung surgery.
B. EEG monitoring is used to measure electrical activity in the brain and is not typically associated with lung surgeries like a lobectomy. It would only be used in specific neurological assessments or surgeries, not as standard postoperative equipment for lung surgery.
C. CPM machines are generally used after joint surgeries, such as knee surgeries, to promote mobility and prevent stiffness. They are not used in lung surgery like a lobectomy, so this equipment is not relevant in this context.
D. A three-way urethral catheter is typically used for bladder irrigation or managing urinary output after certain urological surgeries, not lung surgeries. It is not a standard postoperative requirement for a client undergoing a lobectomy.

A. Assessing the patient helps to determine the cause of the confusion and combativeness. Given the patient’s shortness of breath, it's crucial to ensure that oxygen therapy is functioning correctly, as inadequate oxygenation can lead to confusion and agitation. This assessment will provide immediate information to guide further interventions.
B. While administering a sedative may seem appropriate to manage combativeness, it does not address the underlying issue of potential hypoxia or respiratory distress. Sedatives could further complicate the patient’s respiratory status and should not be given without first assessing the patient’s condition.
C. This option may become necessary after assessment, but it is not the first step. While the patient is showing concerning symptoms that may require a physician's intervention, the immediate priority should be to assess the patient first. The nurse must gather information to provide to the physician.
D. While ensuring patient safety is important, applying restraints should be a last resort and is not appropriate without first assessing the underlying cause of the patient's confusion and combativeness. Restraints can lead to increased agitation and should not be used without proper justification and assessment.