A nurse is providing home care instructions to a client who has a hordeolum (stye) of the right eye.
Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of the instructions?
- a) I need to apply cool compresses to the eye for 15 minutes four times daily.
- b) I should press on the eye when I apply the warm compresses.
- c) When the eyelid turns white, I should try to squeeze the stye.
- d) I should apply antibiotic ointment as prescribed.***
The correct answer is: d) I should apply antibiotic ointment as prescribed.
Here's why:
- Hordeolum (stye) is an inflammation of an oil gland in the eyelid. It can be caused by a bacterial infection and is often accompanied by redness, pain, and swelling.
- Warm compresses can be helpful in relieving pain and swelling, but applying pressure to the eye should be avoided as it can worsen the condition.
- Squeezing the stye is not recommended, as it can lead to the spread of the infection and further complications.
- Antibiotic ointment is the most effective treatment for a stye caused by bacterial infection. It helps to reduce inflammation and fight off the infection.
Therefore, the statement about applying antibiotic ointment as prescribed indicates that the client understands the correct way to treat their stye.
Here's why the other options are incorrect:
a) I need to apply cool compresses to the eye for 15 minutes four times daily:
While cool compresses can be helpful initially to reduce pain and swelling, warm compresses are generally recommended for a stye.
b) I should press on the eye when I apply the warm compresses:
This can worsen the condition and should be avoided.
c) When the eyelid turns white, I should try to squeeze the stye:
This is not recommended and could lead to complications.
