What should a nurse encourage a client to avoid after cataract surgery to prevent pressure increases?

Encouraging a client to avoid heavy lifting after cataract surgery is important because such activities can significantly increase intraocular pressure. After cataract surgery, the eye requires time to heal, and engaging in strenuous activities like lifting heavy objects puts stress on the delicate surgical site, potentially leading to complications such as increased pressure that could affect healing or even result in damage to the eye.

While other activities like driving, watching television, and walking may have their own restrictions based on individual circumstances, they typically do not exert the same level of physical strain on the body as heavy lifting. Therefore, focusing on avoiding activities that can heavily tax the eye, like lifting, is a key aspect of post-operative care to ensure a smooth recovery.