A nurse is caring for an adult client who reports having trouble getting to sleep at night.

Which of the following recommendations should the nurse make?

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.

Dementia is characterized by progressive memory impairment, including difficulty remembering recent events, names, and familiar faces. This memory loss can significantly impact the client's ability to perform daily tasks independently.

While dementia is typically a chronic and progressive condition, it is not uncommon for individuals with dementia to experience acute episodes of confusion, often referred to as "sundowning." These episodes tend to occur in the late afternoon or evening and can involve increased agitation, restlessness, and disorientation.

Illusions are perceptual distortions where a person misinterprets real sensory stimuli. In dementia, individuals may experience illusions, such as mistaking a coat hanging on a door for a person or misinterpreting shadows as threatening figures.

Catatonia, characterized by immobility and unresponsiveness, is not typically associated with dementia. It is more commonly seen in conditions such as schizophrenia or certain neurological disorders.