Question

A client arrives at the emergency department following a blow to the eye from a softball. Which intervention should be implemented by the nurse initially?

Answer 1

Initially, the nurse should assess the eye injury, provide pain relief, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and monitor for serious complications. Careful assessment guides further treatment and recovery planning with the healthcare team.

Step-by-step explanation:

The initial intervention a nurse should implement following a client arriving at the emergency department with a blow to the eye from a softball is to assess the injury and provide immediate pain relief and reduce swelling. This often includes applying a cold compress to the affected eye, ensuring that pressure is not applied directly to the eye itself which could cause further damage. It is also crucial to assess for signs of more serious injury, such as visual disturbances, penetration of the eye, or signs of an orbital fracture. Prioritizing the assessment allows the healthcare team, which includes the surgeon, nurse, and anesthesia professional, to review key concerns for recovery and care of the patient.