What postoperative complication should a nurse suspect if a client has absent breath sounds in the bases?

Atelectasis is a common postoperative complication characterized by the collapse of part or all of a lung. This condition typically occurs when air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) become deflated or filled with fluid instead of air, leading to a reduction in gas exchange in the affected areas of the lung. When a nurse observes absent breath sounds in the bases of the lungs postoperatively, it often indicates that air is not reaching those areas, which can happen due to atelectasis.

In the postoperative setting, factors such as shallow breathing from pain, immobility, or the effects of anesthesia can contribute to the development of atelectasis. The absence of breath sounds in the bases signals that the alveoli are not functioning properly in those parts of the lung, confirming that this could be a significant concern in the recovery phase.

Other complications such as pneumonia or hemothorax may also impact breath sounds but typically present with additional signs or symptoms, such as fever, productive cough, or reduced lung expansion, indicating that the underlying pathology is different. Emphysema, while affecting breath sounds, is a chronic condition rather than an immediate postoperative complication.