A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who is 2 hours postoperative following a wedge resection of the left lung and has a chest tube to suction. Which of the following is the priority finding the nurse should report to the provider?

A. Abdomen is distended: While abdominal distention may indicate gastrointestinal issues such as ileus, it is not immediately life-threatening in the postoperative lung resection client and does not take priority over signs of respiratory compromise. B. Pain level of 6 on a 0 to 10 scale: Moderate pain is expected after thoracic surgery and can be managed with prescribed analgesics. Although pain should be addressed, it is not the most urgent concern requiring immediate reporting. C. Subcutaneous emphysema is noted to the left chest wall: Subcutaneous emphysema indicates air leaking from the lung into the surrounding tissue, suggesting a potential complication such as a chest tube malfunction or ongoing air leak. This can progress to respiratory compromise and requires prompt evaluation and reporting to the provider. D. Chest tube drainage of 70 mL in the last hour: Some drainage is expected after lung surgery. While trends in output should be monitored, 70 mL in an hour is within a range that is not immediately life-threatening and does not take priority over signs of air leak.