HOSA Clinical Nursing Assessment Practice Test

The appropriate treatment for a plugged lacrimal duct is warm massages. This approach helps to facilitate the drainage of tears by gently applying warmth to the area, which can promote dilation of the ducts and help to relieve any blockage. The warmth also increases blood flow to the surrounding tissue, potentially aiding in the breakdown of any material that could be causing the obstruction.

In contrast, other treatments may not directly address the problem of a blocked lacrimal duct. For instance, oral antibiotics are typically used to treat infections, not blockages. Cold compresses could potentially reduce swelling but do not specifically aid the drainage function. Eye drops may provide lubrication or treat other conditions, but they typically do not resolve the blockage of the duct itself. Thus, warm massages are the most effective method for alleviating a blocked lacrimal duct.