A school-age child sustains an eye injury with a glass fragment. What should the nurse practitioner do first?

A school-age child sustains an eye injury with a glass fragment. What should the nurse practitioner do first?

• A. Attempt to visualize the glass fragment.
• B. Refer immediately to an ophthalmologist.
• C. Irrigate the eye with sterile saline.
• D. Instill a topical anesthetic.

Answer: (B)

When there is a glass fragment in or near the eye, the priority is urgent ophthalmology evaluation because the injury may involve a corneal or scleral laceration or an intraocular foreign body that requires specialized assessment and treatment. An ophthalmologist can assess with appropriate tools (like a slit lamp) and imaging, determine whether the glass is embedded or has penetrated deeper structures, and safely remove or repair as needed. Delays or attempting self-removal or manipulation can worsen the injury, cause infection, or compromise vision. In the meantime, protect the eye with a rigid shield to prevent rubbing or pressure, avoid irrigating the eye or instilling topical anesthetics, and transport promptly for professional evaluation. These steps help preserve vision and allow definitive management by a specialist.

When there is a glass fragment in or near the eye, the priority is urgent ophthalmology evaluation because the injury may involve a corneal or scleral laceration or an intraocular foreign body that requires specialized assessment and treatment. An ophthalmologist can assess with appropriate tools (like a slit lamp) and imaging, determine whether the glass is embedded or has penetrated deeper structures, and safely remove or repair as needed. Delays or attempting self-removal or manipulation can worsen the injury, cause infection, or compromise vision.

In the meantime, protect the eye with a rigid shield to prevent rubbing or pressure, avoid irrigating the eye or instilling topical anesthetics, and transport promptly for professional evaluation. These steps help preserve vision and allow definitive management by a specialist.