Eye drops while sitting up

[tsm007]

Need some tips. I swear by next year I'm going to be a wealth of knowledge thanks to you folks. It's the little things that they don't teach you. I have a resident with locked in syndrome, but I've had this problem with other residents before. I can't get him to tilt his head back at all and he's sitting straight up. I'm having a heck of a time getting eye drops in. Any tips for eye drops when someone's sitting up and can't or won't tilt their head? Putting people back to bed for this is really not practical and most would refuse drops if I asked them.

[RN403, BSN, RN]

When they are sitting up are they in a recliner type chair? If not, maybe start using one if possible so you can put them back a bit. What kind of drops are they? If they're just lubricating drops they can wait until bedtime.

If not, try pulling down on the lower lid and placing the drops in there then have them keep their eyes closed for a minute.

[mindofmidwifery, ADN]

I've seen nurses put them in on the lower lid and the resident blink to get them in.

[tsm007]

I've seen nurses put them in on the lower lid and the resident blink to get them in.

I can try that.

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

See if the medication comes in an ointment (ung) many do or get a similar med and before you call the MD to get it changed make sure it comes in an ung.

[brownbook]

We do 100's of cataract surgeries a month. I've learned from the ophthalmologists how easy it is to gently pinch the skin below the lower lid and pull out, it makes a nice small pouch to easily ensure that the drop goes in.

If the patient blinks just as you are putting in the drop the eye lid can't get in the way. Sometimes I use a small gauze to get a better grip. You can practice this on your own eye.