A nurse is caring for an older adult client who wears hearing aids with detachable ear molds.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take when caring for the hearing aids?

Choice A rationale:

"This medication will darken the color of my eyes." This statement is not accurate. Timolol eye drops, which are commonly used to treat glaucoma, do not darken the color of the eyes. This statement indicates a misunderstanding of the medication's effects.

Choice B rationale:

"This medication will dilate my eyes." This statement is not accurate either. Timolol is a beta-blocker that works to reduce intraocular pressure by decreasing the production of aqueous humor in the eye. It does not dilate the eyes; in fact, it has the opposite effect.

Choice C rationale:

"I should take a zinc supplement while taking this medication." This statement is unrelated to the use of timolol eye drops for glaucoma and is not part of the standard treatment plan. There is no established connection between taking zinc supplements and using timolol for glaucoma management.

Choice D rationale:

"I should check my heart rate while taking this medication." This statement indicates an understanding of the teaching. Timolol is a beta-blocker that can lower heart rate and blood pressure. Clients using timolol eye drops should be advised to monitor their heart rate regularly and report any significant changes to their healthcare provider. This is important for safety and to ensure that the medication is not causing any adverse cardiovascular effects.

Choice A rationale:

Asking, "What would your family do without you?" can be seen as judgmental and may not encourage open communication. It doesn't directly address the client's statement about feeling like a burden or wanting to be gone.

Choice B rationale:

Saying, "When you get better you will not feel this way," minimizes the client's feelings and can be invalidating. It does not show empathy or concern for the client's current emotional state.

Choice C rationale:

Asking, "Why would you think a thing like that?" can come across as judgmental and may make the client defensive. It does not directly address the client's emotional distress or suicidal ideation.

Choice D rationale:

This is the correct answer. "Are you thinking of hurting yourself?" is a direct and appropriate question to assess the client's risk of self-harm or suicide. It demonstrates concern for the client's well-being and opens the door for a more in-depth conversation about their feelings and thoughts. Assessing for suicidal ideation is a crucial step in providing appropriate care for a client with depressive disorder.