Question

A client is being discharged from the ambulatory care unit following cataract removal. Which instruction from the discharge teaching plan should the nurse reinforce?

A. "You can resume your normal activities immediately."
B. "Avoid bending over at the waist for the next few days."
C. "Rub your eye gently if you experience itching."
D. "Remove the eye patch only when you feel comfortable."

Answer 1

The nurse should reinforce the instruction to "Avoid bending over at the waist for the next few days" after cataract removal surgery to prevent increasing pressure in the eye.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct discharge instruction to reinforce for a client being discharged from the ambulatory care unit following cataract removal is: "Avoid bending over at the waist for the next few days." This is because bending over can increase pressure in the eye, which is not advisable following cataract surgery. Activities such as lifting heavy objects, vigorous exercise, or any activity that could lead to eye strain should also be avoided until the eye has healed sufficiently as instructed by the healthcare provider. Rubbing the eye is contraindicated as it can harm the healing tissue and potentially lead to infection or damage. It's essential for the client to follow the protective measures including wearing an eye shield or patch as directed, not just based on comfort.