Final answer:
The nurse should commend the client for understanding the importance of coughing and deep breathing exercises after surgery and provide additional instructions if necessary.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should commend the client for understanding the importance of performing coughing and deep breathing exercises after surgery. Furthermore, the nurse should emphasize the benefits of these exercises, such as preventing postoperative complications like pneumonia and promoting good lung function. The nurse can also provide additional instructions and demonstrate the correct technique for coughing and deep breathing exercises to ensure the client's understanding and compliance.