The Nurse Is Providing Care for a Patient Who Had

The nurse is providing care for a patient who had a mastectomy for breast cancer 2 days ago and is now developing pulmonary congestion. For which reason is a mastectomy patient at risk for pulmonary complications?

A) Breast cancer often metastasizes to the lungs prior to diagnosis.
B) Pathogens may have been introduced during the surgical procedure.
C) The chest incision makes the patient hesitant to deep-breathe and cough.
D) Mastectomy patients are on bedrest for the first 48 to 72 hours postoperatively.