How should a nurse administer eyedrops and eye ointment prescribed for the right eye?

Administering eyedrops before eye ointment is the correct approach because of the differences in formulation and the way these medications work. Eyedrops are typically clear liquids that are absorbed quickly into the eye, while eye ointments are thicker and can form a barrier on the surface of the eye. By administering the eyedrops first, you ensure that the liquid medication can penetrate the eye effectively without being hindered by the ointment.

If the eye ointment is applied first, it may block the absorption of the eyedrops, reducing the efficacy of the medication intended for deeper penetration into the eye. Additionally, the ointment can create a film that would make it difficult for the eyedrops to reach the necessary tissues in the eye, which may lead to inadequate treatment. Therefore, administering eyedrops first followed by eye ointment optimizes the therapeutic effects of both medications.