A nurse is applying a belt restraint to a client who has become physically aggressive. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Explanation

B. Wipe any excess medication from the inner canthus outward

Bacitracin ophthalmic ointment is an antibiotic medication commonly used to treat bacterial eye infections such as conjunctivitis.

Wiping any excess medication from the inner canthus outward, is important to prevent the accumulation of excessive ointment, which can cause discomfort and affect vision. Using a clean, sterile cotton ball or tissue, the nurse should gently wipe any excess ointment from the inner corner of the eye (inner canthus) and then move outward to remove the excess ointment.

Gently massaging the eyelid to facilitate absorption of the medication in (option A) is not recommended. It can potentially cause discomfort or further irritation to the affected eye, especially in a young child. The ointment will naturally spread across the eye as the child blinks.

Placing an occlusive dressing on the affected eye in (option C) is not necessary for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis. It may impede proper air circulation and potentially worsen the infection. It is important to promote hygiene and prevent the spread of infection by encouraging proper handwashing and avoiding touching or rubbing the affected eye.

Instructing the guardian to apply erythromycin ophthalmic ointment every morning for 14 days in (option D) is not appropriate in this case. Erythromycin is an alternative antibiotic commonly used for conjunctivitis, but since the child has been prescribed bacitracin ophthalmic ointment, the appropriate course of treatment would be to follow the prescribed medication as directed by the healthcare provider.

A. Write the information at an 8th-grade reading level: This is a good practice. Writing at an 8th-grade reading level ensures that the brochure is understandable for a wide audience, including those with varying levels of literacy. It helps make the information clear and accessible.

B. Present information from complex to simple: This approach is not ideal. It is generally more effective to present information from simple to complex to build understanding progressively. Starting with basic concepts helps the reader grasp foundational information before moving to more detailed content.

C. Explain medical terminology using basic, one-syllable words: While using simple language is important, basic, one-syllable words might not always be appropriate for explaining medical terminology accurately. It is better to use plain language that conveys the meaning clearly, rather than overly simplifying complex terms.

D. Use a 12-point font size: Using a 12-point font size is generally appropriate and readable for most brochures. However, depending on the audience, a slightly larger font size (e.g., 14-point) may be preferable to enhance readability.