Eye care on ED intubated patients

[kmoonshine]

Hey ED nurses -

What do you do for eye care on patients who are intubated in the ED? Sometimes we can get the patient up to ICU fast, but there are times when we have the patient for quite some time (whether we are still stabilizing them, or they are an ICU hold). Thanks very much.

[ZippyGBR, BSN, RN]

don't forget 'taping shut' isn't actually taping shut ... a firm tape (i.e. not paper micropore) placed as a strip across the top lid does very well ....

[bigsyis]

We often tape them shut (if they won't close on their own) to protect from corneal injury.

A tiny strip of tape is all it takes-you don't want to glue the eyes shut. I used to tear about a 3/8" wide by 1 inch long piece to apply vertically to the upper lid and down onto the cheek. It worked like a charm.