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?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Deep breathing and coughing are important for general postoperative care but they are not specifically indicated for immediate postoperative cataract surgery. These exercises can increase intraocular pressure and potentially disrupt the healing process. B. While it's important to educate caregivers about medication administration, this is not the priority in the immediate postoperative period. The patient should be stable and comfortable before teaching begins. C. An eye shield is crucial to protect the operated eye from accidental injury during sleep. It prevents rubbing and potential complications. D. Monitoring vital signs is essential for postoperative care. However, the frequency of every 2 hours is excessive for cataract surgery. Vital signs can be monitored less frequently, depending on the patient's condition.