Final Answer:
The nurse's first action should be to Flush the eyes with sterile saline. Therefore, the correct option is b).
Step-by-step explanation:
When an employee complains of bilateral eye pain due to a cleaning solution exposure, the priority is to promptly flush the eyes with sterile saline. This action helps to remove the chemical irritant and prevent further damage to the eyes. Immediate irrigation is essential to dilute and wash away the potentially harmful substance and is considered the standard first aid measure for chemical eye exposures.
Flushing the eyes with sterile saline is crucial for preventing or minimizing damage to the eyes' tissues and promoting the employee's comfort. Applying ice packs (option a) may not address the chemical exposure, and using antiseptic ophthalmic ointment (option c) or covering the eyes with dry sterile patches (option d) should come after the initial irrigation. The primary goal is to eliminate the chemical agent as quickly as possible to reduce the risk of injury.
The prompt and appropriate action of the nurse in initiating eye irrigation aligns with occupational health and safety guidelines. It underscores the importance of rapid intervention in cases of chemical exposures to safeguard the well-being of the affected individual. In summary, the immediate use of sterile saline for eye irrigation is the priority in responding to an employee's complaint of bilateral eye pain following exposure to a cleaning solution.