Eye, Ear, and Nose Injuries
Lesson 1: Irrigate, Instill Eye Drops, and Apply Ointments to the Eye
1-5
1-5. INSTILL DROPS
When you instill eye drops into a patient's eyes, you must be absolutely sure of three things: the correct patient, the correct eye, and the correct drops. Medication errors with eye drops can be extremely serious. Your task will begin with the preparation of the patient and the medication.
a. Preparation.
(1) Identify the patient by his name. Inform the patient of the need and the reason for instilling drops in his eye. Explain the procedures and tell the patient to remove his contact lenses/glasses, if necessary. Ensure you know the correct eye for the treatment.
(2) Verify the medication requirements to include the type of medication, the correct amount/concentration, and the temperature for administration.
(3) Position the patient.
(a) Patient lying in bed.
1 Place the patient in a supine position.
2 Position light/lamp. Ensure there is adequate light. Avoid shinning the light directly on the patient.
3 Tilt the patient's head slightly to the side to instill the eyedrops.
(b) Patient sitting up.
1 Tell the patient to place his head in an inclined position to the side to instill eyedrops.
2 Tilt the patient's head slightly backwards.
3 Support the patient's head.
4 Position the light/lamp. Ensure there is adequate light and avoid shinning the light directly over the patient.
(4) Perform a patient care handwash.
(5) Check the eye dropper for cracks or chips.
b. Instill Drops.
(1) Using your forefinger, gently pull down the patient's lower eyelid.
(2) Tell the patient to look up (as for eye irrigations).
NOTE: The patient may look down only if required by the physician.
(3) Instill one drop of medication into center of the patient's lower eyelid, unless otherwise directed by a physician.
(4) Tell the patient to slowly close his eyes, not squeezing them together, and not to rub his eyes (see figure 1-3).
Figure 1-3. Instill drops.
(5) Wipe off the excess solution with a gauze square.
c. Handwash. Perform a patient care handwash.
d. Record Treatment. Record the time, type of medication, strength of medication, and eye into which medication was instilled.
