A nurse at an ophthalmology clinic is providing medication teaching to a client who has open-angle glaucoma. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide?
Apply the medication when you are experiencing eye pain
Use the medication only until the intraocular pressure returns to normal
Use the medication for approximately 10 days, then gradually taper off
Apply the medication on a regular schedule for the rest of your life
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because applying the medication when you are experiencing eye pain can be ineffective or harmful for treating open-angle glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is a chronic condition that causes increased pressure inside the eye and damage to the optic nerve, which can lead to vision loss. Eye pain is not a common symptom of open-angle glaucoma, but rather an indication of acute angle closure glaucoma, which is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. The nurse should instruct the client to apply the medication as prescribed, regardless of pain level, and seek medical attention if they experience severe eye pain, headache, nausea, or blurred vision.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because using the medication only until the intraocular pressure returns to normal can cause recurrence or worsening of open-angle glaucoma. Intraocular pressure is the pressure inside
the eye that can affect eye health and vision. Normal intraocular pressure ranges from 10 to 21 mmHg, but it can vary depending on age, time of day, or other factors. The nurse should instruct the client to monitor their intraocular pressure regularly and report any changes to their provider, but not to stop using
the medication without consulting their provider first.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because using the medication for approximately 10 days, then gradually tapering off can cause rebound or adverse effects of open-angle glaucoma. The medication for open-angle glaucoma can be either beta-blockers, such as timolol, or cholinergic agents, such as pilocarpine, which work by reducing fluid production or increasing fluid drainage in the eye. The nurse should instruct the client to follow their provider's instructions on how long and how much to use the medication and not to change or discontinue it abruptly without their provider's approval.
Choice D reason: This is correct because applying the medication on a regular schedule for the rest of your life can help control and prevent the progression of open-angle glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is a lifelong condition that requires consistent and continuous treatment to maintain normal intraocular pressure and prevent vision loss. The nurse should instruct the client to apply the medication at the same time every day and not to miss or skip any doses. The nurse should also teach the client how to store, handle, and administer the medication properly and safely.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]
Explanation
The correct answers are b, d, and e.
Choice A: Slurred speech.
Slurred speech can be associated with increased ICP due to the pressure effects on the brain areas responsible for speech production. However, it is not typically considered a late sign of increased ICP. It may occur earlier in the progression as the brain's ability to coordinate muscle movements is affected.
Choice B: Bradycardia with a bounding pulse.
Bradycardia with a bounding pulse is a classic sign of Cushing's triad, which is a late and ominous sign of significantly increased ICP. It indicates that the body is attempting to increase arterial blood pressure to overcome the increased ICP and maintain cerebral perfusion. The normal range for adult heart rate is 60-100 beats per minute.
Choice C: Confusion.
Confusion can be an early sign of increased ICP as it can indicate changes in cerebral function. However, it is not specifically a late sign of increased ICP. Early signs of increased ICP can include headache, nausea, and confusion, as the brain is initially responding to the pressure changes.
Choice D: Hypertension with an increasing pulse pressure.
Hypertension with an increasing pulse pressure is another component of Cushing's triad. It reflects the body's compensatory mechanism to preserve cerebral blood flow in the face of rising ICP. An increasing pulse pressure (the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure) is a late sign of increased ICP. Normal pulse pressure is typically 30-40 mm Hg.
Choice E: Nonreactive dilated pupils.
Nonreactive dilated pupils are a late sign of increased ICP and indicate pressure on the cranial nerves that control pupil size and reaction to light. This is a grave sign and often indicates impending brain herniation.
Choice F: Hypotension with a decreasing pulse pressure.
Hypotension with a decreasing pulse pressure is not typically associated with increased ICP. In fact, hypertension with a widening pulse pressure would be more indicative of increased ICP as part of Cushing's triad.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is correct because incorporating foods rich in vitamin C in the diet can help prevent or delay macular degeneration. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can protect the cells of the macula, which is the central part of the retina that is responsible for sharp and detailed vision, from oxidative stress and damage. The nurse should also advise the client to consume foods rich in other antioxidants, such as vitamin E, zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
Choice B Reason: This is correct because receiving injections into the eye can help treat macular degeneration. Injections are a form of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy, which can block abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage in the macula that can cause vision loss. The nurse should explain to the client how often and how long they need to receive injections and what side effects or complications they may experience.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because vision will not be restored after using eye drops for macular degeneration. Eye drops are not a proven or effective treatment for macular degeneration, which is a chronic and progressive condition that causes irreversible vision loss. The nurse should reinforce education by informing the client that eye drops may only provide temporary relief of dryness or irritation, but they will not improve or restore vision.
Choice D Reason: This is correct because vision will become progressively more blurry with macular degeneration. Macular degeneration can cause blurred or distorted central vision, difficulty reading or recognizing faces, or dark spots in the visual field. The nurse should educate the client on how to cope with vision loss and use adaptive devices, such as magnifiers, large-print books, or voice-activated technology.
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