A nurse is planning care for a client who has dementia and lives at home. Which of the following physiological changes should the nurse educate the client and family to monitor?

Answer: C

Rationale:

A) "I'm glad that I can work remotely from my computer. Prolonged use of a computer can strain the eyes, potentially interfering with the healing process after a retinal reattachment procedure. Clients are generally advised to limit screen time during recovery.

B) "I can't wait to be able to take a bath. Submerging the face in water, as during a bath, is discouraged postoperatively due to the risk of introducing bacteria into the eye and delaying healing. Clients are advised to stick to showers and avoid getting the affected eye wet.

C) "I get bored only being able to watch television. Watching television is usually permissible following retinal surgery, as it does not strain the eye excessively. This statement aligns with typical postoperative instructions.

D) "I will be relieved once I can drive myself to the store." Driving is contraindicated during the recovery phase due to potential visual disturbances and the need for the eye to heal properly. Clients are typically instructed to avoid driving until cleared by their ophthalmologist.

A. The client develops bradycardia and bradypnea: Bradycardia (slow heart rate) and bradypnea (slow breathing rate) may indicate a slowing down of bodily functions but are not typical manifestations of postoperative shock. In postoperative shock, the body's compensatory mechanisms often lead to tachycardia (rapid heart rate) and tachypnea (rapid breathing rate) as the body tries to maintain perfusion.

B. The client has metabolic alkalosis and warm extremities: Metabolic alkalosis and warm extremities are not typically associated with postoperative shock. In shock, metabolic acidosis is more common due to tissue hypoperfusion, and extremities may become cool due to peripheral vasoconstriction as the body attempts to shunt blood to vital organs.

C. The client has hypertension and anuria: Hypertension (high blood pressure) and anuria (lack of urine output) are not indicative of postoperative shock. In shock, blood pressure typically decreases (hypotension), and oliguria or anuria may occur due to decreased renal perfusion.

D. The client has hypotension and is confused: This is the correct answer. Hypotension (low blood pressure) is a hallmark sign of shock, indicating inadequate tissue perfusion. Confusion may occur due to cerebral hypoperfusion and inadequate oxygen delivery to the brain. Confusion is a late sign of shock and indicates severe compromise of organ perfusion.