Conjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva that is usually caused by allergy, infection, or trauma. It causes redness, itching, burning eyes, swelling, and discharge. Treatment involves administering antibiotic or antiviral eye drops as prescribed, keeping the infected person home from school until antibiotics have been used for 24 hours, and instructing on infection control measures like handwashing to prevent spread.

1. CONJUNCTIVITIS

2. Description
1. Also known as “pinkeye”; an inflammation of
the conjunctiva
2. Conjunctivitis usually is caused by allergy,
infection,or trauma.
3. Bacterial or viral conjunctivitis is extremely
contagious.

3. Signs and symptoms
1. Itching, burning, or scratchy eyelids
2. Redness
3. Edema
4. Discharge

4. Interventions
1. Instruct in infection control measures such as
good handwashing and not sharing towels and
washcloths.
2. Administer antibiotic or antiviral eye drops or
ointment as prescribed if infection is present
(severe infection may require therapy with
systemic antibiotics).
3. Instruct the child and parents about the
administration of the prescribed medications.

5. 4. Instruct the parents that the child should be
kept home from school or day care until
antibiotics have been administered for 24
hours.
5. Instruct about the use of cool compresses to
lessen irritation and wearing dark glasses if
photophobia occurs.
6. Instruct the child to avoid rubbing the eye to
prevent injury.

6. 7. Instruct a child who is wearing contact lenses
to discontinue wearing them and to obtain
new lenses to eliminate the chance of
reinfection that can occur from the use of the
old lenses.
8. Instruct an adolescent that eye makeup
should be discarded and replaced.