What steps should be taken when preparing to administer eye drops?

When preparing to administer eye drops, ensuring that the dropper does not touch the eye is crucial for maintaining the sterility of the drops and preventing contamination. The eye is particularly susceptible to infections, and if the dropper touches the eye or any other surface, it can introduce pathogens into the eye, potentially leading to serious complications such as conjunctivitis or other eye infections.

Proper technique includes holding the dropper at the appropriate distance from the eye to reduce the risk of contact while still allowing precise application of the medication. This practice also helps in delivering the correct dosage of the drops.

In addition to this, it's important to always wash hands before handling medications and to explain the procedure to the resident to ensure they are informed and comfortable with the process. Checking the medication order should also be done before administering the drops, to confirm the correct medication and dosage as part of safe medication administration practices.