A patient presents at the ED after receiving a chemical burn to the eye. What would be the nurses initial
Intervention for this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Chemical burns of the eye should be immediately irrigated with water or normal saline to flush the chemical from the eye. Antibiotic solutions, lubricant drops, and other prescription drops may be prescribed at a later time. Application of direct pressure may extend the damage to the eye tissue and should be avoided. Patching will be incorporated into the treatment plan at a later time to assist with the process of re-epithelialization, but at this point in the care of the patient, patching will prevent irrigation of the eye.

A Patient Presents at the ED After Receiving a Chemical