CAUTION:
Use just enough force (flow) to gently dislodge the unwanted
secretions/foreign bodies.
CAUTION:
Never touch the patient's eye with the irrigator. It could cause the
spread of infection, contamination, or further injury to the eye.
NOTE:
Do not irrigate an impaled object.
(2)
Tell the patient to look up to expose the conjunctiva.
(3)
Gently flush the patient's eye.
CAUTION:
Ensure that the irrigator tip is 1 to 1 1/2 inches away from the patient's
eye.
(4)
Dry eyelids by gently patting area surrounding orbit dry as soon as sac is
thoroughly flushed.
CAUTION:
Do not pat directly over the patient's eye.
h. Perform a patient care handwash.
i.
Record treatment. if necessary.
1-5.
INSTILL DROPS
When you instill eye drops into a patient's eyes, you must be absolutely sure of
three things: the correct patient, the correct eye, and the correct drops. Medication
errors with eye drops can be extremely serious. Your task will begin with the
preparation of the patient and the medication.
a. Preparation.
(1) Identify the patient by his name. Inform the patient of the need and the
reason for instilling drops in his eye. Explain the procedures and tell the patient to
remove his contact lenses/glasses, if necessary. Ensure you know the correct eye for
the treatment.
(2) Verify the medication requirements to include the type of medication, the
correct amount/concentration, and the temperature for administration.
(3)
Position the patient.
(a) Patient lying in bed.
1 Place the patient in a supine position.
MD0547
1-6