A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for NPH insulin 10 units and regular insulin 15 units subcutaneously. After injecting 10 units of air into the NPH insulin vial, which of the following actions should the nurse take next?

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.

Placing soiled dressings in a biohazard trash receptacle is the appropriate practice for disposing of potentially infectious materials. It helps prevent the spread of microorganisms and ensures proper handling and disposal of contaminated items.

Clostridium difficile is a spore-forming bacterium that is not effectively killed by alcohol-based hand rubs. Hand hygiene for C. difficile requires the use of soap and water to thoroughly wash the hands.

Droplet precautions typically require the use of a surgical mask, not a gown and gloves. Gown and gloves are used for contact precautions.

The recommended bleach solution for blood spills is typically a 1:10 dilution, not 1:20. This concentration helps ensure effective disinfection and decontamination of the area.