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    Ati med surg proctored examQuestion 43
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    Ati med surg proctored exam

    A nurse is preparing to administer ophthalmic drops to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

    Explanation & Rationale

    A. Tilt the client's head away from the side receiving the drops: The client’s head should be tilted slightly back and toward the side receiving the drops, not away. Tilting away may cause the medication to run out instead of entering the conjunctival sac. B. Instill the drops directly onto the cornea of the eye receiving the drops: The cornea is highly sensitive, and placing drops directly on it can cause pain, reflex blinking, or injury. Drops should be placed into the conjunctival sac to ensure comfort and proper absorption. C. Rest the dominant hand on the client's forehead while instilling the drops: Resting the hand on the forehead stabilizes the dropper, preventing accidental injury if the client moves suddenly. This provides safety and accuracy when administering the medication. D. Hold the medication dropper 0.5 cm (0.2 in) above the conjunctival sac: The dropper should be held about 1–2 cm above the sac to avoid touching the eye. Holding it too close increases the risk of contamination or accidental contact with the eye surface.

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