The client is being discharged from the ambulatory care unit following cataract removal. The nurse provides instructions regarding home care. Which of the following, if stated by the client, indicates an understanding of the instructions?
A. “I will take Aspirin if I have any discomfort.”
B. “I will sleep on the side that I was operated on.”
C. “I will wear my eye shield at night and my glasses during the day.”
D. “I will not lift anything if it weighs more than 10 pounds.”
Correct Answer: C. “I will wear my eye shield at night and my glasses during the day.”
The client is instructed to wear a metal or plastic shield to protect the eye from accidental and is instructed not to rub the eye. Glasses may be worn during the day. Following cataract surgery, if the client was operated under topical anesthesia, the surgeon will directly prescribe post-operative dark glasses. If the client has undergone surgery under local anesthesia, he will have an eye pad and plastic shield over the eye. The eye pad is usually removed 2 hours after the surgery at the hospital.
Option A: Aspirin or medications containing aspirin are not to be administered or taken by the client and the client is instructed to take acetaminophen as needed for pain. Use the eye drops as prescribed. They are usually for preventing infection and controlling eye pressure. Note that some eye drops need to be kept in the refrigerator. Mild pain is expected. Over-the-counter painkillers such as Paracetamol can be used to relieve the pain, provided the person has no allergy to the medicine.
Option B: The client is instructed not to sleep on the side of the body on which the operation occurred. Sleeping in any position is acceptable, but the person should avoid direct pressure on the operated eye. A protective eye shield should be worn during sleep or nap for at least the first week after surgery. This helps to prevent accidental injury to his eye during sleep.
Option D: The client is not to lift more than 5 pounds. There is no need to totally restrict physical activities. Bending is avoided one day after surgery. The client may do simple exercises like walking and yoga but strenuous exercises, aerobics, or headstands must be avoided. As far as possible, vigorous coughing and sneezing should be avoided because this can cause an increase in eye pressure. Notify a doctor if the person coughs frequently.
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