Page 1977 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

Because the timing of medication administration is critical,

administer eye medications at precise intervals as prescribed; separate
the instillation by 3 to 5 minutes if two medications must be administered
at the same time.

B. Instillation of eye medications

1. Drops
a. Wash hands.
b. Put gloves on.
c. Check the name, strength, and
expiration date of the medication.
d. Instruct the client to tilt the head
backward, open the eyes, and look up.
e. Pull the lower lid down against the
cheekbone.
f. Hold the bottle like a pencil, with the tip
downward.
g. Holding the bottle, gently rest the wrist
of the hand on the client’s cheek.
h. Squeeze the bottle gently to allow the
drop to fall into the conjunctival sac.
i. Instruct the client to close the eyes
gently and not to squeeze the eyes
shut.
j. Wait 3 to 5 minutes before instilling
another drop, if more than one drop is
prescribed, to promote maximal
absorption of the medication.
k. Do not allow the medication bottle,
dropper, or applicator to come into
contact with the eyelid or conjunctival
sac.
l. To prevent systemic absorption of the
medication, apply gentle pressure with
a clean tissue to the client’s
nasolacrimal duct for 30 to 60 seconds
(see Fig. 57-1).
2. Ointments
a. Instruct the client to lie down or tilt the
head backward and look up.
b. Hold the ointment tube near but not
touching, the eye or eyelashes. This
action prevents the spread of
contaminants from 1 eye to the other.
c. Squeeze a thin ribbon of ointment along
the lining of the lower conjunctival sac,
from the inner to the outer canthus.

1977