When administering ophthalmic drops to a child, which action should the nurse take?

When administering ophthalmic drops to a child, which action should the nurse take?

• A. Rinse the eye with water immediately after
• B. Apply pressure to the lacrimal punctum for 1 minute following administration
• C. Have the child blink rapidly after administration
• D. Wipe excess drops from the eyelids

Answer: (B)

The key practice is reducing systemic absorption of ophthalmic drops by occluding the nasolacrimal ducts. After you instill the drop into the conjunctival sac, apply gentle pressure at the inner corner of the eye where the lacrimal puncta are located for about 1 minute. This nasolacrimal occlusion keeps the medication in the eye longer and minimizes drainage into the nasal passages and systemic circulation, which is especially important in children who are more susceptible to systemic side effects from eye meds. After applying pressure, blot any excess from the eyelids and have the child keep the eye gently closed for a moment. Rinsing with water, rapid blinking, or wiping away excess before administering the punctal pressure are not the recommended steps for maximizing local effect and minimizing systemic absorption.

The key practice is reducing systemic absorption of ophthalmic drops by occluding the nasolacrimal ducts. After you instill the drop into the conjunctival sac, apply gentle pressure at the inner corner of the eye where the lacrimal puncta are located for about 1 minute. This nasolacrimal occlusion keeps the medication in the eye longer and minimizes drainage into the nasal passages and systemic circulation, which is especially important in children who are more susceptible to systemic side effects from eye meds. After applying pressure, blot any excess from the eyelids and have the child keep the eye gently closed for a moment. Rinsing with water, rapid blinking, or wiping away excess before administering the punctal pressure are not the recommended steps for maximizing local effect and minimizing systemic absorption.