Question

*A nurse is instructing the caregiver of a toddler who

has bacterial conjunctivitis and a new prescription
for an ophthalmic ointment. Which of the following
instructions should the nurse provide?*

(A) "Apply the ointment in a thin line into the conjunctival sac."
(B) "Ask the child to look down before applying the ointment."
(C) "Always wipe from the outer to the inner canthus when
wiping away secretions."
(D) "Use a sterile glove and applicator to apply the
antibiotic ointment."

Answer 1

The nurse should guide the caregiver to apply the ointment in a thin line into the conjunctival sac, encourage the child to look down during application, always wipe away secretions from the outer to the inner corner of the eye, and use clean hands or an applicator.

Step-by-step explanation:

Instructions for Applying Ophthalmic Ointment for Bacterial Conjunctivitis

For a toddler who has been prescribed an ophthalmic ointment to treat bacterial conjunctivitis, the nurse should provide the following guidance to the caregiver:

• Apply the ointment in a thin line into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye.
• Encourage the child to look down before applying the ointment, which can help with easier and safer administration.
• Always wipe away secretions from the eye using a clean tissue or cloth, moving from the outer corner to the inner corner (the inner canthus).
• Although using sterile gloves can be optimal to prevent infection, for home administration, it is more important to ensure that hands are clean and that a clean applicator, if needed, is used.

These instructions help ensure that the medication is applied effectively and safely, minimizing the risk of spreading the infection and promoting healing.