The primary care pediatric nurse practitioner observes a tender, swollen red furuncle on the upper lid margin of a child's eye. What treatment will the nurse practitioner recommend?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The tender, swollen red furuncle on the upper lid margin of a child's eye is likely a stye or hordeolum, which is commonly caused by a bacterial infection of the hair follicle or oil gland in the eyelid. Warm, moist compresses 3 to 4 times daily can help to relieve the pain and encourage drainage of the infection. Culture of the lesion or referral to ophthalmology for incision and drainage may be necessary if the stye does not improve with conservative treatment or if there are signs of a more serious infection. Topical steroid medication is not commonly used for the treatment of styes.

The Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Observes a Tender, Swollen