After the client sits with the head tilted back for eyedrop administration, what is the next step?

• A. Gently pull the lower eyelid down to expose the conjunctival sac.
• B. Hold the dropper and stabilize your hand on the client's forehead.
• C. Have the client look up while you instill the number of prescribed drops.
• D. Have the client gently close the eye and move it around.

Answer: (A)

After tilting the head back, the next essential move is to gently pull the lower eyelid downward to expose the conjunctival sac. Creating that pocket gives a space for the drop to land so it goes into the tear reservoir rather than onto the lashes or skin, ensuring correct dosing and reducing contamination. Once the sac is exposed, you place the prescribed number of drops into it, then release the lid and have the client blink gently to distribute the medication.

Stabilizing your hand on the forehead is important for control, but the immediate action that allows the medication to enter the eye properly is exposing the conjunctival sac. The client looking up or the eye being moved after instillation are steps related to positioning or distributing the drop, not the next step to deliver the medication. Having the client close the eye and move it around is something you do after instillation to help distribute the drop.