An adult client who was recently diagnosed with bacterial conjunctivitis is prescribed ciprofloxacin ophthalmic solution. The practical nurse enters the client's room to instill the medication. In which order should the nurse perform the following actions? Arrange the steps in the correct chronological sequence from first to last.
- 1Perform hand hygiene and put on a pair of clean gloves.
- 2Ask the client to tilt their head backward and look up at the ceiling.
- 3Gently pull the client's lower eyelid downward to expose the conjunctival sac.
- 4Squeeze the prescribed number of drops directly into the conjunctival sac.
- 5Apply gentle pressure to the inner canthus of the eye for 1 to 2 minutes.
Answer
The correct sequence for administering ophthalmic drops is: Perform hand hygiene and put on gloves, position the client's head backward, expose the conjunctival sac by pulling the lower eyelid down, instill the drops into the sac, and finally apply pressure to the inner canthus.
Administering eye drops requires a strict aseptic technique and specific steps to ensure localized medication delivery. First, the nurse must perform hand hygiene and don gloves to prevent infection. Next, positioning the client with the head tilted back and eyes looking upward minimizes the blink reflex. The nurse then pulls the lower eyelid down to expose the conjunctival sac, which is the proper anatomical location for receiving drops. After instilling the drops into the sac, applying gentle pressure to the inner canthus prevents the medication from flowing into the tear duct, thereby avoiding unwanted systemic absorption.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Safe Administration of Ophthalmic Medications
Estimated Time:1m 0s