Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. COLD COMPRESSES/EYE Purpose: 1. Prevent or control edema around the eye (periocular). 2. Relieve inflammation of the eyelid or eyeball. 3. Help control bleeding. 4. Help prevent spread of infection. Equipment: Sterile compresses Small basin of chipped ice Small container of sterile solution placed in the chipped ice Sterile forceps (2) Sterile compresses or gauze squares Sterile applicator Non-sterile compresses Small basin with small pieces of ice Small gauze square of cotton balls Applicator Small plastic or rubber sheet covered with towel Paper bag or waste container Petroleum jelly Procedure: 1. Place the plastic sheet, covered with a towel, under the patient's head and upper shoulders. 2. Cleanse the eyelid and lashes with a moist cotton ball, and apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly on the eyelid from the inner canthus to the outer canthus. 3. Use separate equipment, materials and supplies if compresses are to be applied to both eyes, washing hands carefully between applications on each eye. 4. Apply sterile compresses with the sterile forceps after wringing compresses from the sterile solution. Apply non-sterile compresses after placing gauze or cotton directly on the pieces of ice. 5. Place the compresses over the eyelid and cheek, if the eyelid only is involved. If the eyeball is involved, place the compress over the eye and eyebrow. 6. Change the compresses as ordered, or every 1 - 2 minutes. 7. Use new compresses with each change, if sterile, or when there is an infection or discharge. Discard used compresses into paper bag. 8. Continue continuous application of compresses for the prescribed length of time, usually 15 or 20 minutes, and at regular intervals. 9. Dry the area and apply another this layer of petroleum jelly, apply dressing, if ordered. 10. Apply finely chipped ice to the eye by filling one or two fingers or a rubber glove or small plastic bag. Hold in place with scotch tape. Home Health Agency Nursing Care & Procedures K-58