Question

A nurse is attempting to inspect the lacrimal apparatus of a client's eye. Because of its anatomical location, the nurse should do which of the following?

A) Instruct the client to look straight ahead.
B) Ask the client to look downward.
C) Ask the client to close their eyes tightly.
D) Have the client turn their head to the side.

Answer 1

To inspect the lacrimal apparatus effectively, the nurse should ask the client to look downward to expose the lower part of the eye, near the nose, where the lacrimal puncta and sac are situated.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse attempting to inspect the lacrimal apparatus should ask the client to look downward (option B). This is because the main components of the lacrimal apparatus, including the lacrimal punctum and the lacrimal sac, are located near the medial (inside) portion of the eyelids, closer to the nose. When the client looks downward, it provides better exposure of the lower part of the eye, making it easier for the nurse to observe the area where tears drain into the nasolacrimal canal.