Which instructions would be appropriate for the nurse to give a patient with acute viral conjunctivitis? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply

Question

1. "You should wash your hands before cleansing the eye and using eyedrops.".
2. "You can soak your lids with warm saline to soften crusts and exudates.".
3. "You should not share towels or makeup with anyone else.".
4. "Do not return to work for at least 2 weeks.".
5. "You can use warm compresses to relieve eye discomfort.".

Answer 1

1,2,3
Rationale 1: Hand hygiene will minimize cross-contamination and the risk of bringing other organisms to an already infected eye. Hand hygiene should be encouraged at all times, but especially in the presence of infection.
Rationale 2: Soaking the lids with sterile saline softens the crusts from exudates.
Rationale 3: The patient with conjunctivitis should not share supplies such as towels and makeup to avoid possible cross-contamination from person to person.
Rationale 4: The patient should not return to school or work if in the active stages for at least 4 days, and possibly a week to 10 days, owing to the severity and epidemic nature of viral conjunctivitis.
Rationale 5: Cold compresses for eye comfort may also help shorten the healing time and the course of the disease.