A nurse is teaching a client who has glaucoma and is to start taking timolol. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

Choice A Reason:

Provide assistance with ambulation: Patients with cerebellar tumors often experience ataxia, which is a lack of muscle coordination affecting voluntary movements such as walking and balance. Assisting with ambulation is crucial to prevent falls and ensure the patient’s safety. The cerebellum plays a significant role in motor control, and damage to this area can severely impair a patient’s ability to move safely. Therefore, providing assistance with ambulation is a priority to prevent injury and promote mobility.

Choice B Reason:

Facilitate retention of facts by repeating instructions: While repeating instructions can be beneficial for patients with cognitive impairments, it is not the primary concern for a patient with a cerebellar tumor. The main issues with cerebellar tumors are related to motor control and balance. Although cognitive support is important, ensuring physical safety through assistance with ambulation takes precedence.

Choice C Reason:

Place the client in a darkened room: Placing a patient in a darkened room might help with symptoms like photophobia (sensitivity to light), but it does not address the primary concerns associated with cerebellar tumors, such as balance and coordination. This action does not directly contribute to the patient’s immediate safety and mobility needs.

Choice D Reason:

Speak slowly and clearly: Clear communication is always important in nursing care, especially for patients who may have difficulty understanding due to neurological issues. However, for a patient with a cerebellar tumor, the immediate priority is to address motor dysfunction and prevent falls. Speaking slowly and clearly is supportive but not the primary action needed to ensure the patient’s safety.

Choice A Reason

Initiate insulin drip. This intervention is not typically included in the standard care plan for all patients with acute pancreatitis. Insulin drips are generally reserved for cases of hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis, where insulin helps to lower triglyceride levels. For most patients with acute pancreatitis, this is not a standard intervention.

Choice B Reason

Monitor blood glucose levels. This is a correct intervention. Acute pancreatitis can affect the pancreas’ ability to regulate blood sugar, leading to hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. Monitoring blood glucose levels helps in managing these potential complications and ensuring appropriate treatment.

Choice C Reason

Continue regular diet as tolerated. This statement is incorrect. Patients with acute pancreatitis are usually kept NPO (nothing by mouth) initially to rest the pancreas. Once the inflammation subsides, they may gradually reintroduce oral intake starting with clear liquids and progressing to a low-fat diet.

Choice D Reason

Maintain NPO status until pain-free. This is partially correct but not entirely accurate. While initial management often includes NPO status to rest the pancreas, current guidelines suggest that early enteral feeding can be beneficial and should be started as soon as tolerated. Prolonged NPO status is no longer the standard of care.

Choice E Reason

Manage acute pain. This is a correct intervention. Pain management is a critical component of care for patients with acute pancreatitis. Effective pain control improves patient comfort and can help reduce the stress response associated with severe pain.