Final answer:
The nurse would recognize that the client's prolonged immobility after a bilateral mastectomy and breast reconstruction creates a risk for atelectasis, which is the collapse of lung tissue that impairs gas exchange. Prolonged immobility can also result in pneumonia, pressure sores, and urinary tract infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a client is recovering from a bilateral mastectomy and breast reconstruction and has been unwilling to mobilize, the nurse would recognize that the client's prolonged immobility creates a risk for a number of complications. Of the choices given, atelectasis is the most likely complication associated with immobility after such a surgery. Atelectasis refers to the collapse or closure of a lung resulting in reduced or absent gas exchange. It can occur after surgery due to the inability to take deep breaths, which is essential to maintain lung expansion. Without regular movement, secretions can also accumulate in the lungs, further contributing to the risk of atelectasis.
Immobility-related issues such as pneumonia, pressure sores, and urinary tract infections are also common concerns that can arise during the healing process. Pneumonia can develop due to poor air exchange, while pressure sores and infections can result from prolonged stationary positions. These complications extend recovery time and may require additional medical intervention.
While pneumothorax and hemothorax are possible complications of thoracic surgery, they are typically caused by injury or trauma to the chest rather than immobility. Tachypnea, which is rapid breathing, can occur as a compensatory mechanism in response to decreased oxygenation, but it is not directly a risk due to immobility.