Question

Post operative nursing interventions for a patient after cataract surgery.

Answer 1

Cataract

A clouding of the lens in the eye , leading to a decrease in the vision is called catataract. Management of Cataract may include the surgical interventions.

Nursing interventions for a patient after Cataract surgery

( Nursing diagnosis: Acute pain related to invasive procedure in the eye as evidenced by facial expression and pain scale)

Interventions :

* Assess the level of pain to get the base line information

* Provide the recommended position for patient with head end elevation ( Avoid lying on the side of operation) to reduce edema and pain .

* Encourage the patient to take rest and restrict the activities for fasten healng and to prevent further damage.  

* Administer the analgesic and medications for controlling Intra occular pressure ( IOP) as per prescription, to relieve from pain.

( Nursing diagnosis:

Risk for infection related to surgical procedure ( Extra capsular Cataract Extraction, ECCE) )

Interventions:

* Monitor vital signs to know the major variations in any, increase in temperature may be an indicator of infection.

* Obtain and monitor lab values, specially WBC count ; increase in White blood cells count indicates infection.

*Do frequent hand washing and  Maintain aseptic condition to reduce the chances of infection.

* Instruct the patient about the activities that to be avoided such as coughing and sneezing , bending etc it may increase the tension on the wounds and on the sutures.

* Inspect and report immediately if any signs or symptoms of complications are present such as increased IOP , bleeding etc. : to reduce further worsening of conditions.

* Advice the patient to wear sunglasses on day time and eye protection at night time.