Question

A medical assistant is caring for a patient who has come in contact with concrete debris. Upon inspection of the eye, the assistant seed debris on the surface of the sclera. Which of the following actions should the assistant take?

1) Use clean tap water to flush the eye
2) Use a soft cloth to wipe the debris off the surface
3) Apply antibiotic ointment to the eye
4) Apply a warm compress to the eye to reduce inflammation and soothe any discomfort

Answer 1

When debris is found on the surface of a patient's eye, a medical assistant should use clean tap water to flush the eye and remove the debris. Wiping the debris off the surface with a soft cloth is not recommended. Applying antibiotic ointment is unnecessary unless there is an actual infection. Applying a warm compress may provide some relief, but it should be done after flushing the eye.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a medical assistant finds debris on the surface of a patient's eye, the assistant should use clean tap water to flush the eye, which can help remove the debris and prevent further irritation or infection. It is important to use clean tap water to ensure that the eye is not further contaminated. Using a soft cloth to wipe the debris off the surface is not recommended, as it may cause further damage to the delicate eye tissues. Applying antibiotic ointment to the eye is also not necessary unless there is an actual infection, as it may cause unnecessary side effects. Applying a warm compress to the eye to reduce inflammation and soothe any discomfort may provide some relief, but it should be done after flushing the eye with clean tap water.