A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client about advance directives and a health care proxy.

Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Epinephrine is a medication commonly used to treat severe allergic reactions, also known as anaphylaxis. One of the hallmark signs of anaphylaxis is difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Epinephrine works by constricting blood vessels, relaxing smooth muscles in the airways, and reducing swelling, which can help relieve the symptoms of respiratory distress. Epinephrine is not typically used to treat nausea, hyperglycemia, or hand tremors.

Nausea can be caused by various factors and is usually managed with antiemetic medications. Hyperglycemia, which refers to high blood sugar levels, is typically managed with appropriate diabetes management, including insulin or other glucose-lowering medications. Hand tremors can have different underlying causes, and their treatment depends on the specific etiology.

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.