What should the nurse implement for a child with a penetrating eye injury?

For a child with a penetrating eye injury, the implementation of a Fox shield to the affected eye and a patch to the other eye is the safest and most appropriate intervention. A Fox shield is a hard protective covering designed specifically for the eye, and it serves to protect the eye from further injury or movement that could exacerbate the situation. It helps to stabilize the eye and can prevent accidental touching or rubbing, which is crucial since additional pressure or movement can worsen the injury.

Applying a patch to the unaffected eye is also beneficial because it can reduce binocular vision, which may help minimize the risk of further eye movement and potential complications from the injury. This approach emphasizes the need to keep the injured eye motionless while ensuring some protection until further medical evaluation can be conducted.

In contrast, the other strategies, such as removing the object from the eye, applying ice, or irrigating the eye, could lead to more harm than good in the context of penetrating eye injuries. These actions might disrupt the eye's structures, increase the risk of infection, or worsen the injury, underscoring why the use of a Fox shield is the correct method in this scenario.