Comprehensive Nursing Pharmacology Q 217
When administering topical ophthalmic preparations, the nurse must assess:
A. Visual acuity
B. Intraocular movements
C. Color of the sclera
D. Blinking reflex
Correct Answer: A. Visual acuity
The nurse must assess visual acuity, extraocular eye movements, tearing, and discharge when administering topical eye medications. Topical ophthalmic medications are widely prescribed by growing numbers of eye-care professionals. Increasingly, these agents are being prescribed by optometrists and ophthalmic-trained nurses in addition to ophthalmologists and general practitioners. As the number and variety of topical agents on the market rises, and as the number of clinicians involved in prescribing those agents increases; the risk of systemic adverse effects will also increase.
Option B: It is the elderly population who are at the greatest risk of experiencing systemic adverse effects of topical agents. Chronic ophthalmic diseases, and hence long term ophthalmic drop treatments, are more prevalent among older people. Such individuals are also likely to have other medical conditions (e.g. cardiac, respiratory, or neurological disease) that may be induced or exacerbated by topical ophthalmic agents. Moreover, polypharmacy is common in elderly people, and this is associated with an increased risk of drug interactions.
Option C: To apply the eye ointment, wash hands first. To avoid contamination, be careful not to touch the tube tip or let it touch the eye or any other surface. Tilt the head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch.
Option D: If using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), apply the eye drops first and wait at least 5 minutes before applying this eye ointment. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye. If using another type of eye ointment, wait at least 10 minutes after using this medication before applying it.