Psychiatric Technician Practice Exam

When instilling an ophthalmic preparation, the psychiatric technician would first draw the:

1. Upper conjunctival sac upward

2. Lower conjunctival sac downward

3. Eye lid toward the ear

4. Cornea straight up

The correct answer is: Lower conjunctival sac downward

The correct approach when instilling an ophthalmic preparation involves first drawing the lower conjunctival sac downward. This action creates a space to effectively instill the medication without risking contamination or incorrect placement. The lower conjunctival sac is more accessible and easier to manipulate, making it a practical choice for successful administration of eye drops. By pulling the lower conjunctival sac downward, it allows for the medication to be deposited directly into the space created, ensuring proper contact with the surface of the eye and improving absorption. This technique minimizes the risk of the drops running down the cheek or missing the eye altogether, which could occur if a different area, like the upper conjunctival sac or the cornea, was targeted first. Overall, this method enhances the likelihood that the medication will be absorbed effectively, demonstrating the importance of proper technique in ophthalmic procedures.