What instruction should the nurse include in the discharge teaching plan of a client who had a cataract extraction today?

When it comes to providing discharge instruction for a client who had a cataract extraction today, there are several key points that the nurse should include in their teaching plan. Firstly, they should advise patients to keep the surgical site clean and dry and avoid touching or rubbing the area at all times. This is important in order to reduce any potential risk of infection.

Additionally, clients should also be encouraged to wear sunglasses when outdoors as this will help protect their eyes from intense sunlight or wind which can both cause uncomfortable sensations such as stinging or burning. They should also limit activities that involve straining or bending over during recovery – especially those involving lifting heavy objects as increased pressure on the eye could lead towards bleeding or other complications.

The nurse should also instruct the patient about when/how to use prescribed medications such as antibiotics and eye drops; making sure they understand why these are necessary and how long they need to take them for. Furthermore, follow up appointments with an ophthalmologist should be scheduled so that any post-operative changes can be monitored accordingly.

Overall, proper discharge teaching is essential prior to sending home someone who has undergone cataract surgery since there are multiple potential risks associated with not following instructions accurately. By helping ensure that individuals have all necessary information needed get through recovery safely – it allows them focus on healing without having worry about unnecessary problems arising due poor planning afterwards.