A nurse is caring for a 3-year-old child who has acute bacterial conjunctivitis of the right eye and has been prescribed bacitracin ophthalmic ointment.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A.
Gently massage the eyelid to facilitate absorption of the medication.
B.
Wipe any excess medication from the inner canthus outward.
C.
Place an occlusive dressing on the affected eye to prevent the spread of infection.
D.
Instruct guardian to apply erythromycin ophthalmic ointment every morning for 14 days.
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is:
B. Wipe any excess medication from the inner canthus outward.
Explanation:
Acute bacterial conjunctivitis is a common eye infection in children, and bacitracin ophthalmic ointment is often prescribed to treat the infection. When applying eye ointment, specific nursing interventions ensure that the medication is delivered effectively and that the child remains safe and comfortable. Below is an explanation of why B is the correct choice and why the other options are incorrect.
- Wipe any excess medication from the inner canthus outward (B):
This is the proper technique for cleaning and applying ophthalmic ointment. Wiping from the inner canthus (the corner of the eye closest to the nose) outward helps prevent contamination of the nasolacrimal duct, reducing the risk of infection spreading or blocking the duct. It also ensures that the medication is applied evenly and any excess is removed gently, without irritating the child’s eye. - Gently massage the eyelid to facilitate absorption of the medication (A):
Massaging the eyelid is not recommended when applying ophthalmic ointments. The medication is absorbed through the mucous membranes of the eye, and massaging can potentially irritate the conjunctiva, worsen the infection, or push bacteria into deeper tissues of the eye. - Place an occlusive dressing on the affected eye to prevent the spread of infection (C):
Occlusive dressings are not typically used for bacterial conjunctivitis. Keeping the eye covered can create a moist environment that promotes bacterial growth and worsens the infection. It can also impair vision and cause discomfort for the child. - Instruct guardian to apply erythromycin ophthalmic ointment every morning for 14 days (D):
This option is incorrect because the prescribed medication is bacitracin, not erythromycin. Following the doctor’s specific prescription is essential to ensure proper treatment. Additionally, 14 days is a longer course than typically required for bacterial conjunctivitis, which usually clears up within 5 to 7 days with treatment.
By following the proper techniques for applying bacitracin and understanding infection control practices, nurses can ensure effective treatment and help minimize the discomfort and complications of conjunctivitis.