The nurse is teaching a client how to correctly administer prescribed eye drops. Which of the following steps indicates the correct understanding of the procedure?

Choice A rationale Tilting the head back utilizes gravity to help the drop enter the eye. Pulling the lower lid down creates a pocket known as the conjunctival sac, which is the safest anatomical location for medication absorption. This method avoids direct contact with the sensitive cornea, reducing the risk of irritation or corneal abrasion while ensuring the medication is retained within the ocular surface rather than draining immediately. Choice B rationale The inner canthus contains the lacrimal duct system. Instilling drops directly into the inner canthus or keeping the eye closed during administration promotes systemic absorption through the nasolacrimal duct. This can reduce the local therapeutic effect on the eye and potentially cause systemic side effects. Correct technique involves applying pressure to the punctum after instillation to prevent the medication from entering the systemic circulation through this specific area. Choice C rationale The center of the eyeball consists of the cornea, which is highly innervated with sensory pain fibers. Instilling a chemical substance or a drop directly onto the cornea triggers a strong blink reflex and significant discomfort or pain for the patient. This action can also lead to corneal scarring or accidental injury if the dropper bottle touches the eye surface. Medication should always be placed in the lower conjunctival sac instead. Choice D rationale Pulling the upper eyelid up and placing medication on the cornea is clinically inappropriate. The cornea is the clear, protective outer layer of the eye, and direct application can cause damage or severe irritation. Standard nursing practice emphasizes using the lower eyelid to create a reservoir. Placing drops on the upper globe increases the risk of the patient blinking the medication out before it can be absorbed by the ocular tissues.