After a partial gastrectomy, in addition to frequent position changes, which postoperative intervention is most beneficial for the nurse to perform to prevent respiratory complications?

Choice A reason: Massaging the back to promote diaphragmatic excursion can be beneficial but is not the most effective intervention compared to early mobilization. Choice B reason: Assisting the client to sit in a chair encourages lung expansion and sputum clearance, which are crucial for preventing atelectasis and pneumonia. Choice C reason: Noting areas of atelectasis on chest x-rays is important for monitoring, but it is not an intervention that actively prevents respiratory complications. Choice D reason: Providing ice or oral liquids when the client passes flatus is related to gastrointestinal recovery, not respiratory complications.