Final answer:
The 45-year-old client undergoing an open cholecystectomy is at the highest risk for pulmonary complications due to the nature of the abdominal surgery and its effects on respiratory function. The correct option is 2.
Step-by-step explanation:
The client who has the highest risk for pulmonary complications after surgery is the 45-year-old with an open cholecystectomy.
This major abdominal surgery poses a higher risk of pulmonary complications due to various factors such as anesthesia, pain, and the physical location of the surgery, which can impair respiratory function, all leading to risks like pneumonia and atelectasis.
This is compared to the risks presented by ulnar fixation, a hysterectomy, or a lumbar laminectomy, which may be less associated with respiratory complications.
Factors such as immobility and the patient being potentially elderly, as mentioned in the reference, can contribute to the risk of pulmonary complications.
However, the given age and types of surgery suggest that the 45-year-old with an open cholecystectomy is at the greatest risk due to the invasive nature of the procedure and possible effects on respiratory mechanics and pain management postoperatively. Option 2. is the correct one.