In what manner should eye ointment be administered?

In what manner should eye ointment be administered?

• A. Apply directly on the eyeball
• B. Into the lower eyelid pocket
• C. Under the upper eyelid
• D. On the eyelashes

Answer: (B)

Administering eye ointment into the lower eyelid pocket is the correct approach because it ensures that the medication is delivered efficiently and effectively to the inner eye area. When applying the ointment into the lower eyelid pocket, the healthcare provider pulls down gently on the lower lid to create a small pocket, then places a ribbon of ointment inside this pocket. This method facilitates proper distribution of the medication across the surface of the eye as the patient blinks, allowing for optimal absorption and minimizing discomfort. Applying ointment directly onto the eyeball could potentially cause irritation and may lead to an improper dosage, as it may not spread evenly or may be washed away more quickly by tears. Putting ointment under the upper eyelid might be challenging and could increase the risk of injury to the eye, making it an impractical choice. Lastly, applying ointment on the eyelashes does not target the intended area effectively and could result in the medication becoming ineffective or lost, as it wouldn't adequately cover the eye surface where it's needed.

Administering eye ointment into the lower eyelid pocket is the correct approach because it ensures that the medication is delivered efficiently and effectively to the inner eye area.

When applying the ointment into the lower eyelid pocket, the healthcare provider pulls down gently on the lower lid to create a small pocket, then places a ribbon of ointment inside this pocket. This method facilitates proper distribution of the medication across the surface of the eye as the patient blinks, allowing for optimal absorption and minimizing discomfort.

Applying ointment directly onto the eyeball could potentially cause irritation and may lead to an improper dosage, as it may not spread evenly or may be washed away more quickly by tears. Putting ointment under the upper eyelid might be challenging and could increase the risk of injury to the eye, making it an impractical choice. Lastly, applying ointment on the eyelashes does not target the intended area effectively and could result in the medication becoming ineffective or lost, as it wouldn't adequately cover the eye surface where it's needed.