What is the first step in the proper administration of eyedrops?

What is the first step in the proper administration of eyedrops?

• A. Offer tissue paper
• B. Wash hands and don gloves
• C. Clean eyes with gauze
• D. Tilt the head back

Answer: (A)

The first step is hand hygiene. Washing your hands before touching the eye or the eye drop bottle prevents introducing microbes to the eye and protects both you and the patient from infection. After clean hands, follow with the rest of the technique: if needed by policy, don gloves, then have the patient tilt the head back and gently pull the lower eyelid down to form a small pocket. Place the drop into the conjunctival sac without touching the eye or lashes with the bottle tip, have the patient close the eye, and gently press the inner corner of the eye to reduce systemic absorption. Any excess can be wiped away with tissue afterward. Offering tissue paper is helpful, but it’s not the first step.

The first step is hand hygiene. Washing your hands before touching the eye or the eye drop bottle prevents introducing microbes to the eye and protects both you and the patient from infection. After clean hands, follow with the rest of the technique: if needed by policy, don gloves, then have the patient tilt the head back and gently pull the lower eyelid down to form a small pocket. Place the drop into the conjunctival sac without touching the eye or lashes with the bottle tip, have the patient close the eye, and gently press the inner corner of the eye to reduce systemic absorption. Any excess can be wiped away with tissue afterward. Offering tissue paper is helpful, but it’s not the first step.