Free BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Question

Irrigation of the eye is the recommended initial step when managing a patient with a suspected metallic foreign body in the eye. This action helps to remove any loose particles and contaminants, which might prevent additional injury or infection. Visual acuity testing is also important but it's generally conducted after initial irrigation to assess if any vision loss has occurred due to the foreign body. Advising the patient to rub their eye could further embed the foreign body or cause more damage, hence it is not recommended. Application of an antibiotic ointment before professional assessment could potentially obscure physical examination findings and delay appropriate management.