A nurse is giving instructions related to antibiotic eye drops to the parent of a 5-year-old with bacterial conjunctivitis. Which instruction is most important?

Question

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Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) is highly contagious. The hands must be washed properly before and after instilling eye drops and after cleaning away eye drainage or crusting; this is the single best method to prevent the spread of infection to the other eye, the parents, other family members, or anyone else. Therefore, parents should ensure that affected children wash their hands frequently and discourage them from rubbing their eyes. Tissues used to clean the eye should be discarded. The child's washcloths and towels should be kept separate. Many schools and day care centers require that children be kept at home during the time when they are most contagious. (Option A) These tissues should be thrown away immediately, but this step is not as critical as frequent and appropriate hand washing. Gentle wiping should be done from the inner canthus downward and outward, away from the other eye. (Option B) Eye drops are easiest instilled in the eye when the child is lying down or sitting with the head tilted back. (Option C) Warm, moist compresses help remove the crusting present on the eyelid and in the lashes. However, the compress should not be left for long periods as it may promote bacterial growth. Educational objective: Frequent and proper hand washing is necessary to prevent the spread of bacterial conjunctivitis to the other eye or to other individuals. Tissues used to wipe eye medication should be discarded, towels and washcloths should be kept separate, and the child should be discouraged from rubbing the affected eye.

A Nurse Is Giving Instructions Related to Antibiotic Eye Drops