Question

A client is brought to the ambulatory care department by the spouse one day following a cataract extraction procedure. A diagnosis of hyphema is made, which occurred as a result of the surgical procedure. The nurse provides instructions to the client and spouse regarding the treatment for the complication and makes which statement to them?

A. "Elevate the head of the bed to promote drainage of blood from the eye."
B. "Apply a warm compress to the affected eye to reduce swelling."
C. "Avoid taking any pain medications, as they can worsen the hyphema."
D. "Rest quietly and avoid any strenuous activities for the next week."

Answer 1

The nurse should advise the client with hyphema after cataract surgery to elevate the head of the bed to aid blood drainage from the eye and avoid strenuous activities, aligning with standard postoperative care to prevent complications.

Step-by-step explanation:

When treating a client who has a diagnosis of hyphema following a cataract extraction procedure, the nurse's proper advice would be statement A: "Elevate the head of the bed to promote drainage of blood from the eye." This position helps reduce the intraocular pressure and facilitates the drainage of the pooled blood. This care is crucial because hyphema, which is the presence of blood in the anterior chamber of the eye, can lead to increased intraocular pressure and potential damage to other eye structures if not managed correctly.

Contrary to warm compresses or avoiding pain medication altogether, elevating the head and avoiding strenuous activities are more aligned with the standard postoperative care for this condition. Pain management should be discussed with a healthcare provider because some medications might increase the risk of bleeding, while others are safe to use.