Page 1980 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

1. Cataracts
2. Increased intraocular pressure
3. Impaired healing
4. Masking signs and symptoms of infection
C. Interventions
1. Interventions are the same as for anti-infective
medications.

2. Note that dexamethasone should not be used

for eye abrasions and wounds.
V. Topical Eye Anesthetics
A. Description
1. Topical anesthetics produce corneal anesthesia.
2. Topical anesthetics are used for anesthesia for eye
examinations and surgery or to remove foreign bodies
from the eye.
3. Do not use the solution if it is discolored, and store the
bottle tightly closed.
4. An example is tetracaine.
B. Side and adverse effects
1. Temporary stinging or burning of the eye
2. Temporary loss of corneal reflex

C. Interventions

1. Assess for risk of injury.
2. Note that the medications should not be given to the
client for home use and are not to be self-
administered by the client.
3. Instruct the client not to rub or touch the eye while it is
anesthetized.
4. Note that the blink reflex is lost temporarily and that
the corneal epithelium needs to be protected.
5. Provide an eye patch to protect the eye from injury
until the corneal reflex returns.
VI. Eye Lubricants (Box 57-4)
A. Description
1. Eye lubricants replace tears or add moisture to the
eyes.
2. Eye lubricants moisten contact lenses or an artificial
eye and protect the eyes during surgery or diagnostic
procedures.
3. Eye lubricants are used for keratitis, during anesthesia,
or for a client who is unconscious or has decreased
blinking.

B. Side and adverse effects

1. Burning on instillation

1980