The nurse is assisting the client with arm and shoulder exercises on the first post-op day following a right-sided thoracotomy. The client reports pain with the exercise and wants to know why they must be performed. What explanation should the nurse provide? The exercises:
Correct Answer:
Prevent stiffening and loss of function.
Rationale:
Post-thoracotomy exercises prevent complications like joint stiffness and muscle atrophy, promoting recovery.