A factory worker had a chemical inadvertently splashed into his right eye. An eyewash was used at the work site. Which nursing assessment(s) would be important to include? (Select all that apply.)

Question

a. Visual acuity
b. Presence of pain, blurred or halo vision, or lack of vision
c. Type of chemical
d. Presence of nystagmus
e. Presence of contacts or use of eyeglasses

Answer 1

ANS: A, B, C, E
Important nursing assessments would include visual acuity and baseline vital signs. These assessments would also include subjective data such as pain, clarity, and acuity of vision; observation of any physical abnormalities of the eye or lid; pupil characteristics; drainage or excessive tearing; edema or redness; and interventions completed before arrival. Important nursing assessments would include the type and cause of injury and whether contacts or eyeglasses are worn. Nystagmus is involuntary, rhythmic, repeated oscillations of one or both eyes. The cause is unknown. It would be unrelated to chemical eye injury.