Which action should the nurse take when administering eyedrops?

When administering eyedrops, washing hands and putting on gloves is crucial for maintaining proper hygiene and preventing contamination. This practice helps to avoid the introduction of pathogens that could lead to infections in both the nurse and the patient. Maintaining sterility is essential when handling medications, particularly those used in sensitive areas like the eyes.

While having the patient close their eyes tightly might seem like a way to prevent drops from escaping, this actually complicates the procedure and can cause discomfort or make it harder to accurately administer the drops. Similarly, applying the drop directly onto the cornea is not advisable; the drops should be placed in the conjunctival sac to ensure they are effectively absorbed without causing irritation. Instructing the patient to tilt their head back is beneficial for some techniques, but it is not as essential as ensuring that proper hand hygiene is practiced prior to the administration of the medication. Thus, the correct action focuses on safety through hygiene measures.