A nurse is reviewing discharge instructions with a client following a right cataract extraction. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Choice A reason: White drainage from the eyelids is typically a normal postoperative finding and may represent mild serous exudate. However, yellow or green purulent drainage would be more concerning for infection. Instructing the client to notify the surgeon for white drainage may lead to unnecessary alarm and is not evidence-based. Choice B reason: Sleeping on the abdomen increases intraocular pressure and places direct pressure on the surgical site, which can compromise healing and increase the risk of complications such as hemorrhage or displacement of the intraocular lens. Clients are typically advised to sleep on their back or the non-operative side with head elevated. Choice C reason: Bending at the waist increases intraocular pressure due to gravitational shifts and venous congestion in the head and neck. This can lead to complications such as bleeding or damage to the surgical site. Clients should be taught to bend at the knees instead to pick up objects safely. Choice D reason: Avoiding lifting objects heavier than 4.5 kg (10 lb) for at least 1 week is a standard postoperative precaution to prevent increased intraocular pressure and reduce the risk of hemorrhage or disruption of the surgical site. This instruction supports safe recovery and is consistent with ophthalmologic postoperative guidelines.