A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and refuses to use an incentive spirometer following major abdominal surgery. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?

The correct answer is B: Determine the reasons why the client is refusing to use the incentive spirometer. The priority is to assess the client's reasons for refusal to address any barriers preventing compliance, such as fear, pain, or lack of understanding. Understanding the client's perspective can help tailor interventions and address concerns effectively. Requesting a respiratory therapist (choice A) or administering pain medication (choice D) can be secondary once the client's reasons are identified. Simply documenting the refusal (choice C) without addressing the underlying cause does not promote client-centered care.