Question

The nurse is caring for a 6-year-old client admitted with a diagnosis of conjunctivitis. Before administering eye drops, the nurse should recognize that it is essential to consider which of the following?

A. The eye should be cleansed with warm water, removing any exudate, before instilling the eyedrops.
B. The child should be allowed to instill his own eye drops.
C. The mother should be allowed to instill the eyedrops.
D. If the eye is clear from any redness or edema, the eyedrops should be held.

Answer 1

Before administering eye drops to a child with conjunctivitis, the nurse should cleanse the eye to remove any exudate.

Step-by-step explanation:

When caring for a 6-year-old client with conjunctivitis, it is essential for the nurse to cleanse the eye with warm water, removing any exudate, before administering eye drops. This practice is vital as it ensures the medication can be administered effectively and reduces the risk of further irritation or infection. It is generally not appropriate for the child to instill his own eyedrops due to the risk of improper administration, and while a mother can assist, it is the responsibility of the nurse to ensure the medication is given correctly. Holding the medication merely because the eye appears clear is not advisable, as conjunctivitis can present with varying symptoms, and treatment should follow the prescribed schedule unless a doctor advises otherwise.