A nurse in an acute care facility is assisting with the development of an in-service about reducing environmental stressors to improve clients' sleep. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Explanation

C.I should check my heart rate while taking the medication

Timolol is a medication commonly prescribed for the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma, which is a chronic eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure

hacking the heart rate while taking timolol eye drops is important. Timolol belongs to a class of medications called beta-blockers, which can have systemic effects. These medications can enter the bloodstream and potentially affect heart rate and blood pressure. Monitoring the heart rate can help assess for any potential adverse effects of the medication.

Taking a zinc supplement in (option A) is not correct because it is not typically necessary while taking timolol eye drops. Zinc supplementation is not a direct requirement or related to the use of timolol for glaucoma treatment. The client should follow their healthcare provider's instructions regarding medication use and potential dietary modifications, but zinc supplementation is not specifically associated with timolol.

Timolol eye drops in (option B) is not correct because it does not darken the colour of the eyes. The purpose of timolol eye drops is to reduce intraocular pressure by decreasing the production of fluid in the eye. Eye colour changes are not known effects of timolol eye drops.

Timolol eye drops in (option D) is incorrect because it does not dilate the eyes. In fact, they work by reducing intraocular pressure, not by dilating the eyes. Eye dilation is typically achieved with the use of specific eye drops called mydriatics or with the use of specialized ophthalmic instruments during an eye examination.

The APN, also known as a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist, has advanced knowledge and expertise in pharmacology and medication management. They are trained to assess medication interactions, evaluate potential risks, and provide guidance to ensure safe and effective medication use.

The other members of the interdisciplinary team listed are not specifically trained to address medication interactions:

1. Social worker: Social workers focus on addressing psychosocial aspects of care, such as emotional support, counseling, and resource coordination. While they may provide valuable assistance in various areas of the client's care, they typically do not have specialized knowledge in medication interactions.
2. Patient care technician: Patient care technicians, also known as nursing assistants or certified nursing assistants, provide direct patient care under the supervision of nurses. They do not typically have the training or authority to address medication interactions.
3. Psychologist: Psychologists specialize in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and emotional health concerns. While they may be involved in the client's overall care, including medication management for mental health conditions, their expertise lies primarily in psychological assessment and therapy rather than medication interactions.