(2) Reapply as necessary until secretions are soft enough to be removed
without traumatizing the mucosa.
h. Position the patient.
(1)
Supine in bed is the position of choice.
(2)
Seated in a steady chair is acceptable.
i.
Prepare the medication.
(1) Remove the cap of the medication container, being careful to avoid
(2) If administering drops with a measured dropper, fill the dropper to the
prescribed dose. (Many medications come in plastic containers that deliver a set dose
per drop when the container is gently squeezed.)
(3) If administering an ointment, squeeze out a small amount onto to a
sterile gauze square in order to remove any crust that may have formed. Discard the
gauze.
j. Instill the medication.
(1)
Steady the hand holding the medication against the patient's forehead.
(2)
Instruct the patient to look up and to the side.
(3) With your free hand, gently pull down the lower lid of the affected eye,
exposing the conjunctival sac.
(4) Instill the prescribed amount of drops or a thin ribbon of ointment into the
conjunctival sac (figure 1-4). NEVER instill the medication directly onto the eyeball.
Figure 1-4. Instilling eye drops.
MD0919
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