Which statement from the client following cataract surgery should the nurse report to the provider?

Following cataract surgery, it's essential for the nurse to monitor the client's symptoms and responses to the procedure closely. When evaluating the statements made by the client, the one indicating a need for pain relief is particularly concerning. Pain that is significant enough for the client to express a need for medication can indicate a potential complication, such as infection, increased intraocular pressure, or other postoperative issues.

In the context of cataract surgery, some discomfort is normal, but an acute or severe pain that is described as intolerable warrants immediate attention from the healthcare provider. This situation suggests the possibility of something more serious and indicates that the client may need further evaluation or intervention.

Other statements from the client, while important to address for comfort and reassurance, do not suggest alarming complications. For example, itching may be common due to healing, difficulty seeing with a patch is a typical experience, and sensitivity to light can occur after surgery as the eyes adjust. These experiences do not usually indicate severe underlying problems that require urgent intervention. Thus, the reported pain level is the most critical symptom to relay to the provider promptly.