The nurse is caring for an older adult client who is admitted to the surgical unit following a partial gastrectomy. In addition to frequent position changes, which postoperative intervention is most beneficial for the nurse to perform in preventing respiratory complications?

A. Promoting full diaphragmatic excursion by massaging the back helps to facilitate deep breathing and lung expansion, which is essential for preventing respiratory complications such as atelectasis and pneumonia after surgery. B. Noting areas of atelectasis on daily chest x-rays is important for assessing respiratory status, but it is a monitoring intervention rather than a preventive intervention. C. Assisting the client to a chair the day after surgery when the condition is stable promotes early mobility and prevents complications such as deep vein thrombosis, but it may not directly address respiratory complications. D. Providing ice or oral liquids when the client passes flatus may be part of the postoperative care plan, but it does not directly address respiratory complications. It's more related to bowel function and hydration status.