Chapter 39 Assisting with eye and ear care

The eyes, ears, and nose are sensitive and therefore extra care should be taken to avoid injury to these tissues. Assistance is given by administering a Snellen exam, Ishihara exam, eye/ear irrigation and medication instillation, audiometry, use of the otophthalmascope, pediatric examinations and recording of this information on the patient record. The care of the ears, nose, and throat are tied together. When one is affected, the others are often bothered. It is important to make sure patients know not the stick things in their ears, to keep their eyes moist, and to protect their throats. Restoration of vision and hearing through eyeglasses, hearing aids, eye or ear surgery and/or treatment is the main focus.