Final answer:
A nursing assistant should monitor for cyanosis, a bluish discoloration of the skin indicating oxygen deprivation, and other symptoms such as increased coughing and difficulty breathing, which can be associated with respiratory conditions like bronchitis or pneumonia.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a client is experiencing an increase in sputum production, it's important for the nursing assistant to monitor for several possible complications. One critical finding to watch for is a bluish discoloration of the skin, known as cyanosis, which suggests a decrease in oxygen saturation in the blood. This condition requires immediate attention as it can indicate serious respiratory distress. Furthermore, the nursing assistant should be aware of other symptoms such as coughing, changes in mucus characteristic, difficulty breathing, and chest pain, which could signal conditions like bronchitis, pneumonia, COPD, or asthma - all of which could be associated with increased mucus production and compromised respiratory function.