What is a primary postoperative nursing concern for a client who has had a splenectomy?

The primary postoperative nursing concern for a client who has had a splenectomy is the prevention of infection. The spleen plays a crucial role in the immune system by filtering bacteria from the blood and producing antibodies. After its removal, the patient's risk for infections, especially from encapsulated organisms like Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae, increases significantly.

Nursing interventions should focus on educating the patient about the signs of infection, the importance of vaccinations to protect against specific pathogens, and potentially the use of prophylactic antibiotics. While adequate lung aeration, monitoring fluid intake, and pain management are also important aspects of postoperative care, they do not carry the same level of urgent concern related to the function that the spleen previously provided in the immune response.