A home health nurse enters a client's home and finds a used insulin syringe, without a cap, on the table. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect action, because instructing the client to blink several times after instillation of the medication can cause the medication to drain out of the eye and reduce its effectiveness.

Choice B reason: This is a correct action, but not the best one. Asking the client to look straight ahead during instillation of the medication can help the nurse to aim the drop accurately and avoid touching the eye with the dropper.

Choice C reason: This is the best action, because applying pressure to the bridge of the nose after instillation of the medication can prevent the medication from entering the systemic circulation and causing adverse effects, such as bradycardia, hypotension, or bronchospasm.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect action, because placing each drop of the medication directly on to the client's cornea can cause irritation, injury, or infection to the eye. The medication should be placed in the lower conjunctival sac of the eye.

Choice A reason: Maintaining the client's head of the bed at 20% is an incorrect action, because the head of the bed should be elevated at least 30% to prevent aspiration of the feeding.

Choice B reason: Monitoring the client’s blood glucose level is a correct action, because enteral feedings can affect the blood glucose level and the client may need insulin adjustments.

Choice C reason: Flushing the enteral feeding tube with 10 mL of cool water after each medication is an incorrect action, because cool water can cause cramping and nausea. The nurse should use warm water to flush the tube and use at least 30 mL of water to prevent clogging.

Choice D reason: Obtaining an x-ray after beginning the feeding is an incorrect action, because an x-ray should be obtained before starting the feeding to confirm the placement of the tube.