The nurse is caring for a client recovering from surgery to ...

[ericka1]

The nurse is caring for a client recovering from surgery to repair a detached retina. In which position should the client be placed?
 
  A) Prone
  B) Flat
  C) Semi-Fowler on the affected side
  D) Semi-Fowler on the unaffected side

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a client with a penetrating eye injury. Which action is appropriate for the nurse to include in the plan of care?
 
  A) Apply anesthetic drops.
  B) Apply eye ointment.
  C) Remove the foreign body.
  D) Stabilize the penetrating object.

[katkat_flores]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: D

The client should be placed in the semi-Fowler or Fowler position on the unaffected side. Elevating the head of the bed and lying on the unaffected side reduce intraocular pressure in the affected eye. The other positions would not reduce the intraocular pressure within the affected eye and could cause more damage.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: D

For a severe or penetrating injury, promote rest and stabilize the injured eye by applying an eye pad or gauze dressing loosely over both the affected and unaffected eye. Stabilize any penetrating object, if possible. These measures reduce eye movement and can help preserve the client's vision. Anesthetic drops would be appropriate prior to the removal of a foreign body from the eye. Removal of the foreign body is appropriate if the client had a foreign body in the eye. Application of eye ointment would be applicable after the removal of a foreign body or for a corneal abrasion.