When instructing a patient to self administer atropine eye drops?

When instructing a patient to administer eye drops, it's important to maintain a clean technique and follow these recommended steps:

Step 1: Hand Hygiene

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer gel to ensure proper hygiene.

2. Ask the patient to wash their hands as well.

Step 2: Prep the Eye Drops

1. Shake the eye drop bottle gently before use to ensure uniform distribution if asked by your healthcare professional.

Step 3: Open the Eye Lid

1. Ask the patient to look upward and slightly backward.

2. Gently pull down the patient's lower eyelid with a clean finger to create a small pocket between their eyelid and the eyeball. This pouch will help prevent blinking and reduce spilling.

Step 4: Apply Eye Drops

1. Hold the eye drop bottle upside down directly above the open pouch created by pulling the lower eyelid down.

2. Squeeze the bottle gently and release one single drop of medication into the pouch. Take caution to avoid touching your eye with the dropper tip to prevent the potential of contaminating the solution.

Step 5: Position and Close Eye

1. Ask the patient to close their eyes gently and keep them closed for a few seconds.

2. Press gently on the inner corner of the eye, where the upper and lower eyelids meet (known as the puncta), for about 15 seconds. This simple technique helps prevent drainage of medication through tear ducts, promoting better absorption of the drops into the eye.

Step 6: Repeat for the Other Eye

1. Repeat the same process with other eyes, if prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Step 7: Wipe Excess

1. Carefully wipe any excess liquid from the eyelids and face using a clean tissue to prevent accidental spread.

Step 8: Store Properly

1. Replace the eye drop bottle's cap tightly to avoid contamination and ensure proper preservation.

2. Store the eye drop bottle in a cool, dark place as directed by your healthcare professional.

Remember to follow the specific instructions and recommendations provided by your healthcare provider regarding the dose, frequency, and duration of atropine eye drop administration.