Cleaning of the eyes has to be done from:

AIIMS Delhi NO-2016

Fundamental of Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: AIIMS Delhi NO-2016

Explanation

The correct procedure is to wipe from the inner canthus (near the nose) to the outer canthus (towards the ear).
This direction follows the principle of cleaning from the least contaminated area to the most contaminated area.
The primary anatomical reason is to prevent debris and microorganisms from being washed into the nasolacrimal (tear) duct, which is located at the inner canthus.
Pushing contaminants into this duct can lead to blockage and serious infections like dacryocystitis.

Option A: This is incorrect and dangerous. Wiping from the outer canthus towards the inner canthus would push any drainage, debris, and microorganisms directly into the nasolacrimal duct, increasing the risk of blockage and infection.
Option C: This is incorrect. The primary principle for eye cleaning is based on the horizontal (medial to lateral) anatomy of the tear drainage system, not a vertical direction.
Option D: This is incorrect. Similar to the 'upper to lower' option, a vertical cleaning motion does not address the critical need to protect the nasolacrimal duct located at the inner corner of the eye.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The concept tested is the correct procedural technique for providing eye care, specifically the direction of cleaning, based on principles of medical asepsis and ocular anatomy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This is a fundamental nursing skill essential for preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), especially in vulnerable patients such as neonates, unconscious individuals, and post-operative patients.
Incorrect technique can lead to painful and potentially serious complications like conjunctivitis (pink eye) and dacryocystitis (inflammation of the tear sac), which may require antibiotic treatment.
What if? If the patient has a known infection in one eye, that eye should be cleaned last to prevent cross-contamination to the unaffected eye. A separate, clean wipe must be used for each eye.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core task in the question, which is the procedure for 'cleaning of the eyes'.
Next, recall the fundamental principle of medical asepsis: always clean from the least contaminated area to the most contaminated area.
Then, access your knowledge of basic ocular anatomy. Remember that the nasolacrimal (tear) duct, which drains the eye, is located at the inner canthus (the corner by the nose). This is the area you need to protect from contamination.
Based on this, deduce the correct direction. To move potential contaminants away from the tear duct, the cleaning motion must start at the inner canthus and move outward.
Finally, evaluate the given options. 'Inner to outer canthus' is the only option that aligns with this anatomical and aseptic principle.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: The concept tested is the correct procedural technique for providing eye care, specifically the direction of cleaning, based on principles of medical asepsis and ocular anatomy.
Stem keywords: Cleaning, eyes, canthus
Lead-in keywords: has to be done from

QeAdKFoZ3x2Tjw3ZQwapAu

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 3 pp. 187-189, 80-82

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 866-868