What action should a nurse take to minimize systemic absorption of an ophthalmic drug administered in drop form?

To minimize systemic absorption of an ophthalmic drug administered in drop form, applying pressure to the punctum on the inner canthus is the most effective action.

When an ophthalmic drop is administered, it can enter the nasolacrimal duct, which drains into the nasal cavity and can potentially lead to systemic absorption. By applying gentle pressure to the punctum, which are the small openings at the inner corner of the eye, you effectively occlude the duct. This technique reduces the outflow of the drops into the nasal cavity, thereby minimizing the risk of the medication being absorbed systemically. It helps to keep the medication localized in the eye, maximizing its therapeutic effect while reducing the likelihood of side effects from systemic absorption.

Other options may not effectively prevent systemic absorption. For example, instilling the drops in the outer eye cul-de-sac may allow the medication to flow into the nasal cavity without effective control. Similarly, having the patient hold their head still does not address the natural drainage pathway through the punctum. Instructing the patient to squeeze their nose may not directly target the punctum and could also lead to pressure that affects drug distribution in ways that do not guarantee minimized absorption.