During a routine eye examination, an older client reports decreased peripheral vision and is found to have elevated intraocular pressures. Ophthalmic drops are prescribed for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Which intervention(s) should the nurse include in this client's plan of care? Select all that apply.
Review written and verbal instructions for a reduced sodium diet.
Teach strategies for aseptic administration of the eye drops.
Describe how the use of the eye drops will help improve peripheral vision.
Teach to apply pressure over the inner eye corner after eye drops.
Explain the need to continue eye drops for the rest of their life.
Correct Answer : B,D,E
Choice A reason: Reviewing written and verbal instructions for a reduced sodium diet is not directly related to the management of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). While a healthy diet can contribute to overall well-being, dietary sodium does not have a significant impact on intraocular pressure or glaucoma management. Therefore, this intervention does not directly address the client's primary condition of POAG.
Choice B reason: Teaching strategies for aseptic administration of the eye drops is a critical intervention for clients with POAG. Proper administration of ophthalmic drops is essential to avoid contamination and infection. Aseptic techniques include washing hands before administering the drops, avoiding touching the dropper tip to any surface (including the eye), and ensuring that the dropper cap is replaced tightly after use. These measures help maintain the sterility of the medication and prevent complications such as eye infections, which can exacerbate the client's condition.
Choice C reason: Describing how the use of the eye drops will help improve peripheral vision is not entirely accurate in the context of POAG. The primary goal of ophthalmic drops for POAG is to lower intraocular pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve, thereby preserving the remaining vision. These drops do not typically improve peripheral vision that has already been lost. Educating the client with accurate information about the purpose and benefits of the drops helps set realistic expectations and encourages adherence to the treatment regimen.
Choice D reason: Teaching the client to apply pressure over the inner eye corner (punctal occlusion) after administering eye drops is an important intervention. Punctal occlusion helps prevent the medication from draining into the tear duct and being absorbed systemically. This technique increases the contact time of the medication with the eye, enhancing its effectiveness and reducing potential systemic side effects. Clients should be instructed to gently press the inner corner of the eye for a few minutes after instilling the drops to ensure maximum benefit.
Choice E reason: Explaining the need to continue eye drops for the rest of their life is essential for clients with POAG. Glaucoma is a chronic condition that requires lifelong management to control intraocular pressure and prevent progression of the disease. Discontinuing the medication can lead to elevated intraocular pressures and irreversible vision loss. Clients should understand the importance of adherence to their prescribed treatment regimen and the lifelong commitment to managing their condition to preserve their vision and quality of life.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Administering medications as prescribed is a critical intervention for this client experiencing an acute asthma exacerbation. The prescribed medications, including albuterol and ipratropium bromide via nebulizer, act to relieve bronchospasm and improve airflow. Albuterol, a beta-2 adrenergic agonist, works by relaxing smooth muscles in the airway, while ipratropium, an anticholinergic, reduces mucus production and further enhances bronchodilation. Prednisone, a corticosteroid, reduces airway inflammation and prevents progression of the attack. Administering these medications promptly addresses the underlying pathophysiology of the asthma attack, improves oxygenation, and reduces the risk of complications like hypoxemia or respiratory failure. This is an essential and time-sensitive step in the client’s care.
Choice B reason: Providing client teaching is essential to address both immediate and long-term care needs. Education should focus on the correct use of inhalers, the importance of monitoring expiration dates, and adherence to prescribed medications. The nurse should explain proper inhalation techniques, the role of maintenance medications in preventing exacerbations, and the importance of identifying and avoiding triggers such as outdoor allergens and exercise without premedication. Additionally, discussing early signs of asthma worsening and when to seek medical attention can empower the client to better manage their condition and prevent severe exacerbations in the future. This intervention ensures the client has the tools to reduce recurrence and improve quality of life.
Choice C reason: Notifying the healthcare provider of the client's need for intubation is unnecessary at this stage based on the assessment data. While the client is in respiratory distress, indicated by increased respiratory rate and low oxygen saturation, they remain alert and responsive, with expiratory wheezes present—a sign that air is moving through the lungs. Intubation is reserved for clients in severe respiratory failure who are unable to maintain oxygenation or ventilation despite aggressive interventions. Administering nebulized medications and corticosteroids should stabilize the client and resolve the acute symptoms, making this action premature and inappropriate.
Choice D reason: Placing the client in the Trendelenburg position is contraindicated in asthma management and respiratory distress. The Trendelenburg position involves lowering the head of the bed and elevating the feet, which could worsen breathing by increasing pressure on the diaphragm, reducing lung expansion, and exacerbating hypoxemia. The preferred position for clients in respiratory distress is a high Fowler’s position, which promotes optimal lung expansion and improves oxygenation. The Trendelenburg position is used for specific conditions like shock or hypotension but has no role in managing asthma exacerbations.
Choice E reason: Asking the client for a list of current medications is a vital step in obtaining an accurate medication history and identifying potential factors contributing to the asthma exacerbation. An expired rescue inhaler suggests possible gaps in medication adherence or management. Understanding the client’s current medications, including any maintenance inhalers or allergy treatments, helps the healthcare team adjust the treatment plan effectively. Additionally, this step ensures that new prescriptions do not conflict with existing medications, reducing the risk of adverse interactions. It also highlights any missed preventive measures, such as maintenance therapy with inhaled corticosteroids, which can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
Correct Answer is ["56"]
Explanation
Step-by-Step Calculation:
Step 1: Convert liters to milliliters (mL) 2 liters × 1000 mL per liter = 2000 mL
Step 2: Calculate the total number of drops to be infused 2000 mL × 20 gtt per mL = 40000 gtt
Step 3: Convert hours to minutes 12 hours × 60 minutes per hour = 720 minutes
Step 4: Calculate the drops per minute 40000 gtt ÷ 720 minutes = 55.56
Step 5: Round to the nearest whole number 56 gtt/min
Answer: 56 gtt/min
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