A client with open-angle glaucoma is using pilocarpine ophthalmic solution, a miotic agent. Which action should the nurse at the eye clinic include in evaluating the effectiveness of the medication?
Use Snellen chart to assess visual acuity.
Check amount of drainage from each eye.
Palpate eyelids for decreased swelling.
Review eye pressure measurements.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Using a Snellen chart to assess visual acuity is not a direct measure of the effectiveness of pilocarpine, which is used to lower intraocular pressure by constricting the pupil and increasing aqueous humor outflow. Visual acuity may be affected by other factors, such as refractive errors, cataracts, or macular degeneration.
Choice B reason: Checking the amount of drainage from each eye is not a relevant action for evaluating the effectiveness of pilocarpine, which does not affect tear production or drainage. Excessive or abnormal eye drainage may indicate an infection, allergy, or injury.
Choice C reason: Palpating the eyelids for decreased swelling is not a useful action for evaluating the effectiveness of pilocarpine, which does not cause or reduce eyelid swelling. Eyelid swelling may be caused by inflammation, infection, allergy, or trauma.
Choice D reason: Reviewing eye pressure measurements is the correct action for evaluating the effectiveness of pilocarpine, which is used to lower intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma. High intraocular pressure can damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss. Pilocarpine reduces intraocular pressure by constricting the pupil and increasing aqueous humor outflow.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects. Ibuprofen can be prescribed along with morphine to enhance the pain relief and reduce the inflammation caused by the surgery. Ibuprofen can also reduce the opioid requirement and the risk of opioid-related side effects, such as nausea, constipation, and respiratory depression. Therefore, choice A is correct.
Choice B reason:
Propofol is a short-acting intravenous anesthetic agent that induces and maintains anesthesia and sedation. Propofol is not prescribed along with morphine for post-operative pain management, as it is not an analgesic and has a high risk of hypotension, bradycardia, and respiratory depression. Propofol is only used in controlled settings, such as the operating room or the intensive care unit, under close monitoring and supervision. Therefore, choice B is incorrect.
Choice C reason:
Methadone is a long-acting synthetic opioid that has analgesic and opioid substitution effects. Methadone is not prescribed along with morphine for post-operative pain management, as it is not indicated for acute pain and has a high risk of accumulation, overdose, and addiction. Methadone is mainly used for chronic pain or opioid dependence treatment, under strict regulation and monitoring. Therefore, choice C is incorrect.
Choice D reason:
Senna is a stimulant laxative that increases the intestinal motility and promotes bowel movements. Senna can be prescribed along with morphine to prevent or treat constipation, which is a common side effect of opioids. Senna can improve the comfort and quality of life of the client who is receiving opioid therapy. Therefore, choice D is correct.
Choice E reason:
Docusate sodium is a stool softener that increases the water content and softness of the stool. Docusate sodium can be prescribed along with morphine to prevent or treat constipation, which is a common side effect of opioids. Docusate sodium can improve the comfort and quality of life of the client who is receiving opioid therapy. Therefore, choice E is correct.
Choice F reason:
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that reverses the effects of opioids by displacing them from their receptors. Naloxone is not prescribed along with morphine for post-operative pain management, as it would counteract the analgesic effect of morphine and cause withdrawal symptoms. Naloxone is only used in emergency situations, such as opioid overdose or respiratory depression, as a rescue medication. Therefore, choice F is incorrect.
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Taking an initial respiratory rate is a necessary action to ensure safety during morphine administration, as morphine can cause respiratory depression, which is a potentially life-threatening side effect. The nurse should monitor the client's respiratory rate and oxygen saturation regularly and report any signs of respiratory distress or hypoxia to the physician. Therefore, choice A is correct.
Choice B reason:
Performing a 12-lead electrocardiogram is not a necessary action to ensure safety during morphine administration, as morphine does not have a significant effect on the cardiac rhythm or conduction. The nurse should monitor the client's heart rate and blood pressure regularly and report any signs of bradycardia, hypotension, or chest pain to the physician. Therefore, choice B is incorrect.
Choice C reason:
Suctioning the client to clear the airway is not a necessary action to ensure safety during morphine administration, as morphine does not cause excessive secretions or bronchospasm that would obstruct the airway. The nurse should assess the client's level of consciousness and gag reflex regularly and report any signs of sedation, confusion, or aspiration to the physician. Therefore, choice C is incorrect.
Choice D reason:
Having a manual resuscitation bag at the bedside is a necessary action to ensure safety during morphine administration, as morphine can cause respiratory depression that may require emergency intervention. The nurse should be prepared to administer oxygen and naloxone (an opioid antagonist) as ordered and perform rescue breathing or cardiopulmonary resuscitation if needed. Therefore, choice D is correct.
Choice E reason:
Asking the client about other medications she takes is a necessary action to ensure safety during morphine administration, as morphine can interact with other drugs that may enhance or reduce its effects or cause adverse reactions. The nurse should review the client's medication history and current medications and report any potential drug interactions or contraindications to the physician. Therefore, choice E is correct.
Choice F reason:
Restraining the client with soft restraints is not a necessary action to ensure safety during morphine administration, as morphine does not cause agitation or delirium that would warrant physical restraint. The nurse should provide a safe and comfortable environment for the client and report any signs of anxiety, hallucinations, or psychosis to the physician. Therefore, choice F is incorrect.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.