A client presents to the emergency department with acute abdominal pain and a provisional diagnosis of pancreatitis. The client reports nausea and vomiting from laboratory studies. Which information is most valuable in reporting the client’s status to the healthcare provider?

Choice A reason: Open-angle glaucoma involves chronic optic nerve damage due to impaired aqueous humor drainage, not a reversible “angle” change. Medications reduce intraocular pressure but cannot restore anatomical angles. This response is inaccurate, as the condition requires lifelong management to prevent further nerve damage and vision loss.

Choice B reason: Open-angle glaucoma requires lifelong medication to maintain normal intraocular pressure, preventing optic nerve damage. Medications like prostaglandin analogs or beta-blockers enhance aqueous humor outflow or reduce production, controlling pressure long-term. This is the accurate response, as sustained pressure management is essential to preserve vision in chronic glaucoma.

Choice C reason: Reducing excess pressure is a goal of glaucoma treatment, but open-angle glaucoma is chronic, requiring ongoing medication even after pressure is lowered. This response is incomplete, as it suggests a temporary treatment, whereas lifelong therapy is needed to prevent pressure spikes and progressive optic nerve damage.

Choice D reason: Open-angle glaucoma is typically painless and not associated with swelling. Medications target intraocular pressure, not pain or inflammation. This response is inaccurate, as it misaligns with the pathophysiology of glaucoma, which involves optic nerve damage from pressure, not inflammatory or painful symptoms.

Choice A reason: Using a bronchodilator for sudden shortness of breath applies to rescue inhalers like albuterol, not maintenance bronchodilators (e.g., tiotropium) for COPD, which are used daily. This statement indicates misunderstanding, as maintenance inhalers prevent symptoms, not treat acute dyspnea.

Choice B reason: Thinner sputum is not a primary effect of bronchodilators, which relax airway smooth muscles to improve airflow in COPD. Mucolytics, not bronchodilators, reduce sputum viscosity. This statement reflects incorrect understanding, as bronchodilators target bronchoconstriction, not secretion consistency.

Choice C reason: Daily use of a maintenance bronchodilator, like tiotropium, is correct for COPD to prevent bronchospasm and maintain airway patency. This statement shows proper understanding, as consistent use reduces exacerbations and improves lung function, aligning with standard COPD management protocols.

Choice D reason: Using another inhaler between doses suggests confusion about maintenance versus rescue inhalers. Maintenance bronchodilators are used daily, not interspersed with others. This indicates misunderstanding, as proper scheduling is essential for effective COPD control with prescribed bronchodilators.