A nurse is assessing a client who has a sliding hiatal hernia.
Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A rationale

Flumazenil is a competitive antagonist for benzodiazepine receptors in the central nervous system. It works by blocking the effects of benzodiazepines, effectively reversing their sedative and anxiolytic effects. It is a specific antidote for benzodiazepine overdose and is indicated for the reversal of conscious sedation or for managing a benzodiazepine overdose. It should be used with caution due to the risk of seizures in long-term users.

Choice B rationale

Atropine is an anticholinergic medication primarily used to treat bradycardia (slow heart rate) and as an antidote for nerve agent or pesticide poisoning. It acts on muscarinic receptors to block the action of acetylcholine. It does not have any effect on benzodiazepine receptors and is therefore not the appropriate medication for treating benzodiazepine toxicity.

Choice C rationale

Activated charcoal is a general adsorbent used to treat certain oral poisonings and overdoses. It binds to the drug in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing its absorption into the bloodstream. It is only effective if administered early after ingestion of the drug. It is not a specific antidote for benzodiazepine toxicity, but a general measure to prevent absorption. Flumazenil is the specific antidote.

Choice D rationale

Naloxone is a narcotic antagonist that reverses the effects of opioid overdose by competing for the same receptor sites. It is specifically used for opioid toxicity and is ineffective for benzodiazepine overdose. Administering naloxone would not alter the effects of benzodiazepines and would be a completely inappropriate intervention for this type of toxicity.

Choice A rationale

Verifying the clarity and color of the eye drops is a critical safety step to ensure the medication has not been compromised. Eye drops should be clear and colorless unless specified otherwise. Any discoloration or particulate matter indicates that the solution may be contaminated or expired and should not be administered, preventing potential harm or infection to the client.

Choice B rationale

Pulling the lower lid down creates a small pocket, or conjunctival sac, which is the proper site for medication administration. This technique prevents the eye drops from immediately flowing out of the eye, allowing for maximum absorption of the medication. It also protects the cornea from direct injury by the applicator, which can be sensitive and easily scratched.

Choice C rationale

Applying gentle pressure to the punctum, the small opening in the corner of the eye, for 30 to 60 seconds after instillation prevents systemic absorption of the medication. This is particularly important for drugs like timolol, a beta-blocker, as systemic absorption can lead to adverse effects on the heart and lungs, such as bradycardia and bronchospasm.

Choice D rationale

Tilting the client's head backward facilitates proper administration by allowing gravity to assist in directing the eye drop into the conjunctival sac. This position also helps to prevent the drop from immediately rolling out of the eye or onto the client's cheek, ensuring the medication is retained in the correct location for therapeutic effect.

Choice E rationale

Administering the prescribed number of drops directly into the conjunctival sac ensures the client receives the correct dosage. The nurse should avoid touching the tip of the dropper to the client's eye or eyelashes to prevent cross-contamination of the bottle. This step is essential for both the therapeutic efficacy and safety of the medication administration. *.