A client with open-angle glaucoma is using pilocarpine opthalmic solution, a miotic agent. Which action should the nurse at the eye clinic include in evaluating the effectiveness of the medication?
Palpate eyelids for decreased swelling.
Check amount of drainage from each eye.
Review eye pressure measurements.
Use Snellen chart to assess visual acuity.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Palpate eyelids for decreased swelling: Pilocarpine is used to lower intraocular pressure in glaucoma by promoting aqueous humor drainage; it does not primarily target eyelid swelling. Palpating the eyelids would not provide relevant information about the drug’s effectiveness.
B. Check amount of drainage from each eye: Drainage from the eyes may suggest infection or irritation but is not a measure of how well pilocarpine is controlling intraocular pressure. Monitoring drainage does not directly assess the therapeutic effect of a miotic agent.
C. Review eye pressure measurements: The primary goal of pilocarpine therapy in open-angle glaucoma is to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) to prevent optic nerve damage and preserve vision. Evaluating IOP measurements directly assesses the effectiveness of the medication in achieving its intended outcome.
D. Use Snellen chart to assess visual acuity: While maintaining vision is a long-term goal in glaucoma management, changes in visual acuity do not immediately reflect the effectiveness of pilocarpine. Vision loss occurs over time if IOP is not controlled, making pressure monitoring a more immediate and sensitive indicator.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Calcium 13.0 mg/dL (3.3 mmol/L): Alendronate is used to inhibit bone resorption and is typically prescribed when calcium levels are normal. A high calcium level suggests hypercalcemia, which could worsen if alendronate is given. Therefore, the medication should be withheld, and the healthcare provider must be notified for further evaluation.
B. Magnesium 2.4 mEq/L (2.4 mmol/L): This magnesium level is slightly elevated but is not critically abnormal. Magnesium levels are not a primary consideration when deciding whether to administer alendronate, and this finding alone would not necessitate withholding the medication.
C. Potassium 5.2 mEq/L (5.2 mmol/L): Mild hyperkalemia is noted here, but potassium levels do not directly impact the safety or effectiveness of alendronate. The nurse should monitor it but does not need to withhold alendronate based on this finding.
D. Sodium 132 mEq/L (132 mmol/L): This value indicates mild hyponatremia, but sodium abnormalities are not a direct contraindication to alendronate therapy. The medication could still be administered while addressing the sodium imbalance separately.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Feverfew may interact with aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Feverfew has antiplatelet effects that can increase the risk of bleeding when combined with aspirin or NSAIDs. Teaching the client about this interaction is critical to prevent serious adverse effects such as gastrointestinal bleeding or easy bruising.
B. Those with allergies to chamomile, ragweed, or yarrow should not take feverfew: Although this is important information for clients with specific allergies, it is not as immediately critical as informing about drug interactions that can cause dangerous bleeding risks.
C. Abdominal pain, gas, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can occur when taking feverfew: These gastrointestinal side effects are common but generally mild and not life-threatening, making them less critical to address compared to drug interactions.
D. Increased anxiety and nervousness have been reported by those taking feverfew: While some clients may experience mild mood changes, this is less common and not as serious as the bleeding risks associated with concurrent use of feverfew and other antiplatelet agents.
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