North Carolina Medication Aide (Med Tech) Practice Exam

When administering multiple eye drops, which guidelines should you follow?

1. Administer all drops at once to save time

2. Wash hands, wear gloves, and allow 3-5 minutes between drops

3. Sign the MAR only after all drops are given

4. Only use the first prescribed drop

The correct answer is: Wash hands, wear gloves, and allow 3-5 minutes between drops

When administering multiple eye drops, it is important to follow proper procedures to ensure safety and effectiveness. Washing hands and wearing gloves helps maintain a sterile environment, which is crucial when dealing with eye medications to prevent infection and contamination. Allowing 3-5 minutes between drops is essential because it gives the first drop time to be absorbed before the next one is administered. This timing minimizes the risk of the subsequent drops washing away the previous medication and maximizes their intended effects. The other guidelines provided, such as administering all drops at once, signing the Medication Administration Record (MAR) after all drops are given, and only using the first prescribed drop, do not align with the best practices for eye drop administration. These alternatives could lead to inadequate treatment, increased risk of infection, and a lack of proper documentation, which is critical for patient care.