Final answer:
The nurse would suspect that the postoperative patient is experiencing atelectasis based on the symptoms provided. Atelectasis refers to the collapse or closure of the air sacs in the lungs, leading to a decrease in oxygen saturation levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse would suspect that the postoperative patient is experiencing atelectasis based on the symptoms provided. Atelectasis refers to the collapse or closure of the air sacs in the lungs, leading to a decrease in oxygen saturation levels. In this case, the bronchial obstruction caused by retained secretions would impede the proper exchange of gases in the lungs, resulting in decreased oxygen saturation.