I learned something new this week!

[Tait, MSN, RN]

Ok so whoopee to me learning something. I know

However I thought this might be helpful to others!

This weekend my patient informed the tech she wanted something for her dry eyes.

The tech came up and asked me if she could give her one of the saline capsules for the nebulizers from RT. I was sort of puzzled (I mean I understand the point, but I don't generally give patients anything unless it is ordered).

The charge nurse was there and she said it was fine, and then mentioned that you never want to give a patient the prefilled NS syringes because I guess there is a preservative in there that really burns the eye.

Just a little random FYI for the day!

Taitter

:icon_hug:

[ktwlpn, LPN]

Ok so whoopee to me learning something. I know

However I thought this might be helpful to others!

This weekend my patient informed the tech she wanted something for her dry eyes.

The tech came up and asked me if she could give her one of the saline capsules for the nebulizers from RT. I was sort of puzzled (I mean I understand the point, but I don't generally give patients anything unless it is ordered).

The charge nurse was there and she said it was fine, and then mentioned that you never want to give a patient the prefilled NS syringes because I guess there is a preservative in there that really burns the eye.

Just a little random FYI for the day!

Taitter

:icon_hug:

They are great for a quick rinse for contact lens wearers also ..

[Little_Babycatcher]

You know. I work at a vet hospital and we've found that the prefilled NS syringes stings the animals eyes as well. I actually just found that out a few weeks ago myself. :)

[gonzo1, ASN, RN]

Very helpful tip. Thanks for sharing.

[jackson145]

They are great for a quick rinse for contact lens wearers also ..

That's a great idea. I'm always forgetting to put my saline bottle in my purse.

[chuckc, BSN, RN]

our prefilled NS syringes state they are preservative free.................

[Bumashes, MSN, APRN, NP]

our prefilled NS syringes state they are preservative free.................

Just a student here, but I'll venture a guess as to why the syringe saline doesn't work, even if it's preservative free. Every time I buy a bottle of eye drops, it says something on the bottle like, "Formulated to your eye's pH." So maybe the NS in the syringe isn't the exact pH of the eyes, which could cause irritation. I mean, the eye's pH and the blood's pH probably differ slightly, and the NS in the syringe is formulated for your blood. So maybe you would need a different kind of saline for each? Just a thought...

[Tait, MSN, RN]

Just a student here, but I'll venture a guess as to why the syringe saline doesn't work, even if it's preservative free. Every time I buy a bottle of eye drops, it says something on the bottle like, "Formulated to your eye's pH." So maybe the NS in the syringe isn't the exact pH of the eyes, which could cause irritation. I mean, the eye's pH and the blood's pH probably differ slightly, and the NS in the syringe is formulated for your blood. So maybe you would need a different kind of saline for each? Just a thought...

]

Well and too maybe it is just that the syringes are 0.9% and maybe the capsules are 0.45% or something simple. It would make sense that the sodium could burn if it is too highly concentrated.

[cpnegrad07]

I haven't experienced the IH NS but have heard it is OK for your eyes. On the other hand, I HAVE experienced the NS flush in the eye--it was logical, right? NS=0.9%. What could be wrong with that? I did it ONCE!:cheers:

[Ahhphoey]

That is nice to know. Glad you posted this because I had no idea that the syringe NS could burn. I've never tried it, though, but the inhalation saline caps are a good idea. Thanks.

[bigsyis]

I have also used the NS ampules to keep contact lenses hydrated in specimen cups, in an emergency.

[DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN]

We call them bullets and we use them for eyes all the time, both patients and employees.