A nurse is planning to administer an ophthalmic medication to a client. Which of the following actions will
minimize systemic absorption of the medication?
Apply light pressure to the inner canthus just after instilling the eye drops
Wipe the eye from the inner to the outer canthus with a sterile saline-moistened coton ball
Administer the medication drops directly into the lower conjunctival sac of each eye
Wait 5 min after instillation before instilling the drops in the other eye
None
None
The Correct Answer is A
Answer: A. Apply light pressure to the inner canthus just after instilling the eye drops.
Rationale:
A) Apply light pressure to the inner canthus just after instilling the eye drops.
Applying pressure to the inner canthus (the corner of the eye nearest the nose) helps occlude the nasolacrimal duct. This action reduces the systemic absorption of the medication by preventing it from draining into the nasal passages and subsequently into the systemic circulation, thus enhancing the local effect of the eye drops.
B) Wipe the eye from the inner to the outer canthus with a sterile saline-moistened cotton ball.
While this action may help remove excess medication or discharge, it does not minimize systemic absorption. Instead, wiping the eye could inadvertently spread the medication to other areas, increasing the chance of absorption rather than reducing it.
C) Administer the medication drops directly into the lower conjunctival sac of each eye.
While placing drops in the lower conjunctival sac is a standard practice for delivering ophthalmic medications, it does not directly influence systemic absorption. The main goal is to ensure adequate dosing in the eye, but systemic absorption can still occur if the drops drain into the nasolacrimal duct.
D) Wait 5 min after instillation before instilling the drops in the other eye.
Waiting between instillations is good practice to prevent dilution of the first dose and to allow for absorption. However, this action does not significantly impact systemic absorption. It focuses more on ensuring that the first dose is effective before administering a second dose.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic commonly prescribed for the treatment of various bacterial infections. It belongs to a class of medications known as fluoroquinolones. One potential side effect of ciprofloxacin is increased sensitivity to sunlight, which can lead to a higher risk of sunburn. Therefore, it is important for the client to take precautions, such as using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding excessive sun exposure while taking this medication.
"Take an antacid if the medication causes gastrointestinal upset": Ciprofloxacin can be taken with or without food, but it should not be taken with antacids, calcium supplements, or other products containing aluminum, magnesium, or calcium, as they can interfere with the absorption of the medication. If gastrointestinal upset occurs, it is generally recommended to take the medication with food to minimize this side effect.
"Restrict your daily fluid intake while taking this medication": There is no need to restrict fluid intake while taking ciprofloxacin unless specifically instructed by the healthcare provider.
Adequate hydration is important to maintain overall health and prevent potential complications.
"Expect to experience diarrhea while taking this medication": Diarrhea can be a potential side effect of ciprofloxacin, but it is not a universal experience for all individuals taking the medication. It is more appropriate to inform the client about the potential side effects of ciprofloxacin, including gastrointestinal upset, and to encourage them to report any significant or persistent symptoms to their healthcare provider
Correct Answer is C
No explanation
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