After cataract surgery, what should the nurse instruct the client regarding sleeping position?

After cataract surgery, it is important for the nurse to instruct the client to sleep on the non-operative side. Doing so helps to prevent any pressure or strain on the eye that has undergone surgery, which is crucial for its healing process. Sleeping on the non-operative side minimizes the risk of disrupting the surgical site, reducing the chances of complications such as increased intraocular pressure or accidental trauma to the operated eye.

The recommendation to avoid sleeping on the operative side is foundational in postoperative care for eye surgeries, as it promotes optimal recovery and helps ensure that the surgical area remains undisturbed.

In addition to this, maintaining an upright position while sleeping might be beneficial in some circumstances, particularly if a patient has been advised to do so for specific reasons, such as reducing swelling. However, it is not as universally applicable as the instruction to sleep on the non-operative side. The option regarding sleeping with pillows under the back could provide elevation but does not directly address the specific need to avoid pressure on the surgical eye, making it less suitable in this context.