A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching with a client who is postoperative following a cataract extraction from the left eye with placement of an intraocular lens implant. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

Choice A rationale White drainage following a cataract extraction is not a normal finding and generally indicates a possible infection or inflammation. Normal discharge after this specific intraocular procedure is typically limited to a small amount of clear or serosanguinous fluid. The client must be taught to report any white, yellow, or green discharge immediately to the surgeon to prevent endophthalmitis. Failing to recognize the significance of purulent drainage puts the surgical outcome at risk. Choice B rationale Postoperative eye patch protocols usually require the dressing to be changed daily or as directed by the surgeon to maintain a clean environment and monitor the site. Changing the dressing only every other day increases the risk of bacterial accumulation and reduces the frequency of necessary wound assessment. Clients should be instructed on proper hand hygiene and the specific schedule for patch application to protect the eye from accidental trauma during the early healing phase. Choice C rationale Intraocular lens implants often result in a rapid improvement in visual clarity once the initial sedation wears off and the eye begins to adjust. While some blurring is common due to ointments or inflammation, many patients report significant improvement in vision by the first postoperative day. This statement indicates an understanding of the expected recovery timeline. Vision typically continues to stabilize over several weeks as the inflammatory response subsides and the eye heals. Choice D rationale Itching is a common and expected sensation during the healing process after ocular surgery due to the presence of sutures or the natural inflammatory response of the conjunctiva. The client should be instructed not to rub or press on the eye, as this could dislodge the lens or cause a wound dehiscence. Understanding that mild itching is normal, while pain or pressure is not, shows that the client can distinguish between expected and adverse effects.