The nurse administers proparacaine HCl (Ophthaine) drops to a patient prior to an eye examination. What sign will the nurse look for to determine when the examination can begin?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse will look for the absence of the blink reflex, as this indicates that the proparacaine HCl drops have taken effect and the patient's eyes are numb enough for the examination to begin. Blurred vision, drying of the corneal epithelium, and photophobia are not necessarily indicative that the drops have taken effect.

The Nurse Administers Proparacaine HCl (Ophthaine) Drops to a Patient