Final answer:
The correct answer is c) Avoiding lifting heavy objects. After a pan hysterectomy for uterine cancer, the patient should avoid lifting heavy objects to prevent straining the surgical site and encourage proper healing. Instructions will also include avoiding intense exercises immediately and no need for tampons as the patient won't have menstrual periods post-surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse providing postoperative discharge teaching to a client following a pan hysterectomy for uterine cancer should include several important guidelines for recovery. Since a hysterectomy is a major surgery, it is crucial for the patient to understand proper postoperative care to prevent complications and promote healing.
Avoiding lifting heavy objects is one of the key instructions for a patient after this surgery. Lifting can strain the incisions and the internal surgical site, leading to increased pain or even disruption of the healing tissues. Patients are typically advised to avoid lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds for at least six weeks following surgery. Resuming intense exercises immediately is not recommended, as it can lead to similar risks. Instead, gradually increasing activity levels as tolerated is generally advised.
Using tampons for menstrual care is not applicable because after a hysterectomy, the patient will no longer have menstrual periods. Additionally, it's important for the patient to attend all follow-up appointments with the healthcare provider to monitor recovery and any adjuvant treatments if needed for cancer care.
Note that avoiding vaccinations for a month is generally not a standard postoperative instruction after a hysterectomy unless there are specific immunity concerns which would be discussed on a case-by-case basis with the patient's healthcare provider.