Final answer:
To prevent keratitis in an unconscious patient, a nurse should apply moisturizing ointment to the eyes. This helps to maintain eye moisture and reduce the risk of infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
To prevent keratitis in an unconscious client, the nurse should apply moisturizing ointment to the eyes. Keratitis is an infection or inflammation of the cornea, the clear layer on the front of the eye. Unconscious patients are at increased risk for keratitis because they cannot blink, which naturally helps to moisturize and protect the eyes. Keeping the eyes lubricated with ointment prevents drying and helps maintain eye health, thereby reducing the risk of infection.
Antimicrobial treatment methods for conditions like Acanthamoeba keratitis include topical antiseptics, and in severe cases, azoles may be prescribed or even a corneal transplant may be necessary. Oral antimicrobial administration is appropriate and convenient for home treatment of systemic infections, but for eye infections, topical solutions are more common.