What is the first action a nurse should take before treating a client whose eye has been splashed with a foreign agent?

In the scenario of a client whose eye has been splashed with a foreign agent, assessing the client's visual acuity serves as a critical initial action. This evaluation provides essential information regarding the extent of any potential damage to the eye and the client's ability to see, which can guide further treatment decisions.

Determining visual acuity immediately after an eye injury helps in understanding the severity of the situation. If the client's vision is compromised, it may indicate a more serious injury that requires urgent care, potentially influencing the decision to initiate certain treatments or referrals to specialists. This baseline assessment is vital, as it allows for monitoring changes in vision as additional interventions are performed.

Once visual acuity is evaluated, appropriate actions can follow, such as protecting the eye, flushing it with saline if necessary, and seeking additional care depending on the findings from the visual assessment. Prioritization of visual acuity assessment ensures that the nurse can address the most crucial aspects of the injury first.