The nurse is preparing to administer pilocarpine hydrochloride eye drops to a client with glaucoma. Which is the correct technique to administer eye drops?
instruct the client to tilt the head back and look up
pull the upper lid up and place the drops just above the pupil
pull the lower lid down and place the drop into the conjunctival sac
to instill multiple drops, wait 3 to 5 minutes between drops to allow maximum absorption
instruct the client to close the eyes and gently rub the eyelids to ensure maximum absorption
Numbers 1, 3, and 4 are correct.
Rationale: The client should tilt the head back and look up. The nurse then gently pulls the lower lid down and places the drop into the conjunctival sac without touching the applicator to the eye or any other surface. The nurse should wait 3 to 5 minutes between drops to allow maximum absorption. Pulling the upper lid up and placing drops just above the pupil is not correct technique. The client should not squeeze the eyes or rub them after the drops have been administered.
