In which circumstance would a nurse intervene while observing a nursing student administer eye ointment?

When administering eye ointment, it is essential to ensure that the patient understands the proper procedure for optimal effectiveness and comfort. Instructing a patient to keep their eye open for one minute after the ointment has been applied is not only impractical but also unnecessary. Typically, after administration of the ointment, the patient is advised to close their eye gently to help distribute the medication evenly across the surface of the eye. Keeping the eye open could lead to the ointment being blinked out or irritation caused by exposure. Thus, this is the cue for the nurse to intervene, as it conflicts with the recommended technique for eye ointment application.

In contrast, the other circumstances mentioned align with standard practices. Pulling the lower eyelid forward to instill the ointment facilitates proper placement in the conjunctival sac. Administering the ointment from the inner canthus to the outer eye helps prevent contamination and discomfort. Asking the patient to look up while instilling the ointment promotes access to the lower conjunctival sac, ensuring the ointment is applied correctly.