Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. 42 EYE IRRIGATION PURPOSE: Irrigations are used to remove secretions or irritants from conjunctival sac and to irrigate following the instillation of certain diagnostic drugs. All eye irrigations are performed in accordance with physician’s orders relative to medications, solution strength and frequency. RESPONSIBLE PERSONNEL: RN, LPN EQUIPMENT: Sterile eyedropper, syringe or eye cup, towel, emesis basin, irrigating solution as prescribed, cotton balls, tissue. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: The eye should be inspected for redness, tearing, swelling or discharge. Notation should be made of specific patient complaints and unusual patient behaviors (i.e. excessive blinking, squinting, rubbing). When infection is present in one eye, it is important to use caution to prevent contamination of the other eye. The patient may sit or lie in the dorsal recumbent position with the head tilted slightly toward the affected eye. 1. Explain procedure to patient. 2. Position patient with head turned to affected side. 3. Wash hands. 4. Wash eye lashes and lids gently from inner to outer canthus as needed. Place emesis basin on the affected side of the face. Use a towel between basin and neck. To facilitate removal of hardened debris, sterile gauze may be soaked in the sterile normal saline and applied to eyes prior to irrigation. 5. Hold the upper eyelid open and instruct the patient to look downward. 6. Instill irrigating solution, allowing it to flow form inner canthus to outer canthus along conjunctival sac. 7. Use only enough force to gently flush secretions form conjunctiva. Never exert pressure on the eyeball. 8. Occasionally have patient close his eyes. 9. Use all prescribed solution. Gently pat eye area with tissue. 10. Clean and store equipment. 11. Discard disposable items. 12. Wash hands. DOCUMENTATION: Document on patient record the type and amount of fluid used as well as the effect of the treatment on the patient. Record the type of foreign matter removed. Document any teaching and the patient’s or caregiver’s response to such teaching.