An older adult client arrives at the outpatient eye surgery clinic for a right cataract extraction and lens implant. During the immediate postoperative period, which intervention should the nurse implement?

A. Encourage deep breathing and coughing exercises: While deep breathing and coughing are important postoperative interventions for clients at risk of pulmonary complications, they are not specific priorities for cataract surgery. Excessive straining or coughing may actually increase intraocular pressure, which could compromise the surgical site. B. Teach a family member to administer eye drops: Teaching the family to administer prescribed eye drops is important for long-term postoperative care, but it is not an immediate intervention during the immediate recovery period. Education can occur once the client is stable and alert after surgery. C. Obtain vital signs every 2 hours during hospitalization: Monitoring vital signs is standard for many postoperative clients, but cataract extraction is typically an outpatient procedure, and frequent vital signs are not usually required unless complications arise. Routine vitals are less critical than protecting the operative eye immediately after surgery. D. Provide an eye shield to be worn while sleeping: Protecting the operative eye is a primary nursing intervention immediately after cataract surgery. An eye shield prevents accidental rubbing, trauma, or pressure on the newly implanted lens while the client sleeps. This intervention directly safeguards the surgical site and promotes healing during the critical immediate postoperative period.