A client with a diagnosis of colon cancer is scheduled for a partial colectomy. She has been prescribed polyethylene glycol (PEG 3350). The nurse knows that polyethylene glycol is indicated for this patient for?

A. A client who has been complaining of frequent stools.: This medication is often prescribed to manage mild to moderate diarrhea, so frequent stools alone are not a contraindication. Instead, it may help decrease stool frequency and improve consistency.

B. A client with an intestinal obstruction.: Bismuth subsalicylate should be avoided in clients with bowel obstruction because it can worsen abdominal distention and delay gastric emptying. It may mask symptoms of a more serious underlying condition, such as perforation or ischemia.

C. An adult who is dehydrated.: While dehydration should be corrected, bismuth subsalicylate itself is not contraindicated. It may be used safely once rehydration is initiated to manage diarrhea and prevent further fluid loss.

D. A child with diarrhea associated with the flu.: Bismuth subsalicylate contains salicylate, which poses a risk for Reye’s syndrome when given to children or adolescents recovering from viral infections like influenza or varicella. This condition can lead to acute encephalopathy and liver damage.

E. A client with an allergy to aspirin.: Since bismuth subsalicylate is chemically related to salicylates, it can trigger hypersensitivity reactions in individuals allergic to aspirin. Symptoms may include rash, bronchospasm, or anaphylaxis, making it contraindicated.

A. Instill one drop in each eye every evening.: Latanoprost is a prostaglandin analog that lowers intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor outflow. Administering it once daily in the evening maximizes its efficacy and aligns with the drug’s pharmacokinetics.

B. Instill one drop in each eye only when experiencing visual disturbances.: Latanoprost must be used consistently to maintain controlled intraocular pressure. Intermittent or symptom-based dosing does not prevent the progressive optic nerve damage associated with glaucoma.

C. Instill one drop in each eye every morning.: Morning administration is less effective than evening dosing, as intraocular pressure reduction is greater when latanoprost is applied at night. Evening use also decreases the likelihood of systemic absorption and side effects.

D. Instill one drop in each eye every 12 hours.: Twice-daily dosing is unnecessary and may increase the risk of local adverse effects, such as conjunctival hyperemia, eye irritation, and eyelash changes, without providing additional benefit compared to once-daily evening dosing.