A nurse is preparing to administer intravenous Phenytoin to a patient. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to ensure proper administration?

A. Apply the drops directly onto the patient's cornea: Eye drops should be instilled into the conjunctival sac, not directly onto the cornea. The cornea is highly sensitive, and direct application can cause discomfort, injury, and decreased patient adherence.
B. Perform punctal occlusion after instilling the drops: Punctal occlusion (gentle pressure on the inner corner of the eye) for 1–2 minutes reduces systemic absorption of the drug via the nasolacrimal duct. This is especially important with beta-blockers like Timolol, which can cause systemic effects such as bradycardia and hypotension.
C. Administer the medication immediately after meals: The timing of Timolol eye drops is not dependent on meals. Food intake has no impact on the efficacy or absorption of ophthalmic medications.
D. Instruct the patient to blink rapidly after instillation: Blinking rapidly can cause the medication to be expelled from the eye, reducing its effectiveness. Patients should be instructed to gently close the eye for a minute or two to enhance absorption.

A. Stop taking the medication if you experience any side effects: Patients should never discontinue antihypertensive medications without medical guidance. Some side effects may be temporary or manageable with adjustments, so it's important to consult the provider rather than stopping the drug abruptly.
B. Make lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly: Lifestyle modifications are a key part of managing hypertension and improving cardiovascular health. Diet, weight management, and regular activity can enhance medication effectiveness and reduce long-term complications.
C. Monitor your blood pressure and heart rate regularly and keep a log of the readings: Routine self-monitoring allows early detection of abnormal trends and helps evaluate how well the medication is working. A log also assists healthcare providers in making informed treatment decisions and adjustments.
D. Change positions slowly to reduce the risk of dizziness and falls: Many antihypertensive drugs can cause orthostatic hypotension, especially when therapy begins. Standing up slowly from sitting or lying positions can prevent dizziness, fainting, and injury from accidental falls.
E. It's okay to skip doses occasionally if you feel your blood pressure is under control: Skipping doses undermines blood pressure stability and increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, or kidney damage. Medications must be taken regularly, even if symptoms are not noticeable.