Title: Demonstrate administration of ophthalmic medications.
Course: Veterinary Science II (18105-II) > Section: Understanding Veterinary Pharmacology

Demonstration should include

- patient identification and rechecking drug labels
- using the appropriate technique to administer ophthalmic medication to the eye
  - wiping any discharge from the patient’s eye using a gauze sponge or cotton ball
  - using the index finger and thumb to pull the upper and lower lids apart to open the eye
  - using the thumb to pull the lower lid down and the index finger to pull the upper lid upward
  - resting the hand holding the medication on the head of the patient and applying the drops or ointment gently into the eye without touching the eye, counting each drop or applying the proper amount of ointment without contamination
  - releasing the eyelids and allowing the animal to blink to move the medication throughout the eye

- explaining ways to prevent an animal from disturbing topically applied medications
- explaining how drugs may pose an exposure risk to humans if absorbed through the skin.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What can be done to encourage a dog or cat that is holding a pill in its mouth to swallow the pill?
- What problems could arise from trying to hide a medication in food?
- How is it possible to get a thick topical medication out of a jar without contaminating the contents of the jar?
- What problems arise when applying topical medications to an area the animal can reach by grooming itself? What could be done to prevent these problems?
- What are the five rights to consider before administering any type of medication to a patient?

Teacher Resource:

- FFA- Administering Ophthalmic Medication Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQEaXm7_4R0)