The client arrives in the emergency room after sustaining a chemical eye injury from a splash of battery acid. The initial nursing action is to:
A. Begin visual acuity testing.
B. Irrigate the eye with sterile normal saline.
C. Swab the eye with antibiotic ointment.
D. Cover the eye with a pressure patch.
Correct Answer: B. Irrigate the eye with sterile normal saline.
Emergency care following a chemical burn to the eye includes irrigating the eye immediately with sterile normal saline or ocular irrigating solution. In the emergency department, the irrigation should be maintained for at least 10 minutes. Following this emergency treatment, visual acuity is assessed. Chemical burns of the eye are one of the most common eye injuries. The extent of the ocular surface damage is influenced by the type, temperature, volume, and pH of the corrosive substance and duration of exposure.
Option A: Eye irrigation must be instituted immediately at the scene of exposure and continued in the emergency department to reduce visual impairment. Traditionally lactated Ringer’s and normal saline have been used as irrigation fluids, although one systematic review demonstrates similar outcomes with other irrigation fluids.
Option C: The Morgan Lens is a device that can be utilized to allow the provider to perform “hands free” eye irrigation. Complications of chemical burns are more common with alkali burns as these substances destroy the corneal epithelium and allow this corrosive base substance to penetrate deeper into the cornea.
Option D: Do not rub the eye or place a bandage over the eye. The person should keep the eye open as wide as possible. Wash the person’s hands thoroughly to make sure no chemical is still on them.
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