An employee sustains an eye injury after a chemical explosion. Which nursing action takes priority to prevent further damage?

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Protecting the injured eye with a rigid shield is the top priority because it prevents further damage from rubbing, pressure, or accidental contact while care is arranged. The eye is very vulnerable, and a shield provides a barrier that immobilizes the eye and minimizes additional tissue injury, especially in chemical exposure where ongoing contact can worsen damage. After the eye is shielded, you can proceed with urgent irrigation and ophthalmology consult. Actions like eversion of the eyelid to search for debris or assessing visual acuity are important later steps, and arranging transfer comes after immediate protection.