A nurse in the postanesthesia care unit is caring for four postoperative clients. The nurse realizes that coughing poses a risk to which of the following clients?

A. A client who had an emergency appendectomy: While coughing can cause some discomfort at the abdominal incision site, it generally does not pose a high risk of serious complications if the client uses proper splinting techniques. B. A client who had a vaginal hysterectomy: Coughing may cause mild discomfort or stress on the pelvic floor, but it is not typically associated with significant risk if the client follows postoperative instructions and uses support as needed. C. A client who had a thyroidectomy: Coughing after a thyroidectomy can place stress on the surgical site in the neck, increasing the risk of bleeding, airway compromise, or wound dehiscence. This makes coughing a particular concern for immediate postoperative safety and monitoring. D. A client who had cataract removal: Coughing does not pose a risk to the eye or surgical site following cataract surgery. Clients may be advised to avoid straining, but coughing is generally safe and not a priority concern.