Question

Which of the following is a proper technique for administering ophthalmic medications?

A) Directly apply eye drops to the cornea.
B) Touch the corner of the eye with the tip of the dropper and instill the medication there.
C) Ask the patient to lie in a supine position or sit in a chair with the head slightly hyperextended.
D) Administer medication to the upper conjunctival sac and place a tissue below the patient's eyelid to catch any overflow.

Answer 1

The correct administration of ophthalmic medications involves having the patient either lie down or sit with their head back, allowing for easy access to the eye without contaminating the dropper tip.

Step-by-step explanation:

The proper technique for administering ophthalmic medications is for the patient to lie in a supine position or sit in a chair with the head slightly hyperextended (option C). This allows for easy access to the eye and prevents the medication from being immediately blinked out. It is crucial not to touch any surface with the dropper to maintain sterility and avoid contamination. Therefore, you should not touch the corner of the eye with the tip of the dropper, as mentioned in option B. Applying eye drops directly to the cornea (option A) is not recommended as it can be uncomfortable and less effective. Additionally, it is not usual to administer medication to the upper conjunctival sac and place a tissue below the eyelid to catch any overflow (option D), although it can be done if needed to prevent excess medication from running down the face.