What is the first step after an NCT measurement?

The initial step after performing a Non-Contact Tonometry (NCT) measurement involves documenting the findings in the patient's record. This documentation is crucial for maintaining an accurate and comprehensive medical history, providing a clear reference for future visits and evaluations. By recording the NCT readings along with relevant patient information, the optometric technician ensures that all healthcare providers involved in the patient's care have access to pertinent data, which aids in diagnosis and treatment planning.

Proper documentation also supports continuity of care. It allows future practitioners to assess the patient's intraocular pressure trends over time, which can be vital for detecting and managing conditions such as glaucoma. Moreover, thorough record-keeping complies with legal and ethical standards within healthcare practice, ensuring that patient information is properly maintained and available for review if needed.

While considering other potential next steps, referring to a specialist for high readings may indeed be a necessary action but typically follows the documentation process. Selecting the appropriate next test is contingent on the context and results of the NCT as well, and informing the patient of results is generally done after documentation to ensure all information is accurately communicated. Therefore, the act of documenting the findings is foundational and essential in the sequence of patient care activities.