What should a nurse do if administering more than one ophthalmic medication?

When administering more than one ophthalmic medication, it is essential to wait at least 3 minutes between doses. This interval allows sufficient time for the first medication to be absorbed and reduces the risk of the second medication washing away the first.

Administering multiple medications too closely together, such as simultaneously, can result in the first drops being effectively diluted or rinsed away, leading to suboptimal therapeutic effects. Even waiting just 1 minute might not provide adequate time for the medication to penetrate and be absorbed by the tissues of the eye.

Additionally, applying pressure to the eye doesn't have a significant role in the sequence of administering multiple eye medications. Instead, focusing on the time interval ensures that each medication can act effectively before another is introduced. This practice promotes the efficacy of treatment and enhances patient outcomes.