When applying ophthalmic ointments, the nurse should: (Select all that apply.)

A) Measure liquid medication by bringing liquid medication cup to eye level: This is the correct action. Measuring liquid medications at eye level ensures accuracy and helps the nurse confirm the correct dosage, minimizing the risk of administration errors.

B) Crush enteric-coated medication and place it in a medication cup with water: This option is incorrect. Enteric-coated medications are designed to dissolve in the intestine, not in the stomach, and crushing them can alter their effectiveness and increase the risk of side effects. These medications should be administered whole.

C) Place all of the client's medications in the same cup, except medications with assessments: This option is not advisable without knowing how the medications interact. Certain medications may have specific requirements for administration and should not be mixed together, as this could lead to confusion or adverse reactions.

D) Remove the medication from the wrapper and place it in a cup labeled with the client's information: While labeling is crucial for safety, medications should ideally be kept in their original packaging until administration to prevent confusion and ensure that the nurse has all necessary information about the medication at hand. Medications should only be removed when preparing for immediate administration.

A) Fill only the center of the conjunctival sac: This option is incorrect. When applying ophthalmic ointment, the ointment should be placed along the entire length of the conjunctival sac, not just the center, to ensure proper distribution and effectiveness.
B) Remove excess ointment from the lid with a cotton ball: This action is not recommended. Instead of using a cotton ball, which may introduce fibers or contaminants, excess ointment should be gently wiped away with a clean tissue or cloth if necessary. However, it is generally best to avoid excess application in the first place.

C) Remove gloves and perform hand hygiene: This option is correct. After applying the ointment, the nurse should remove gloves and perform hand hygiene to prevent any potential contamination and maintain proper infection control practices.

D) Ask the client to roll the eye around and from side to side: This is a correct action. Encouraging the client to roll their eyes helps distribute the ointment evenly across the surface of the eye, enhancing its effectiveness.

E) Ask the client to close the eyelids tightly to distribute ointment: This option is also correct. Closing the eyelids helps spread the ointment over the conjunctival surface, ensuring better coverage and absorption of the medication.