A patient presents to the emergency room with symptoms of severe eye pain, blurred vision, and nausea. The ophthalmologist diagnoses the patient with acute narrow-angle glaucoma. Which of the following interventions should be prioritized to alleviate the patient’s symptoms and prevent further complications?
Administer intravenous acetazolamide to reduce intraocular pressure.
Apply warm compresses to the affected eye to relieve pain.
Encourage the patient to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
Administer a mydriatic agent to dilate the pupil.
Advising the patient to limit fluid intake to prevent kidney damage is not appropriate. In fact, adequate hydration is crucial for patients with multiple myeloma to help flush out toxins and prevent kidney damage. Limiting fluid intake can lead to dehydration and worsen kidney function, which is already at risk due to the disease.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Administering intravenous acetazolamide is a critical intervention for acute narrow-angle glaucoma. Acetazolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that reduces the production of aqueous humor, thereby lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) quickly. Reducing IOP is essential to prevent optic nerve damage and preserve vision. Normal IOP ranges from 10 to 21 mmHg, and in acute narrow-angle glaucoma, it can exceed 30 mmHg. Rapid reduction of IOP is crucial to alleviate symptoms and prevent further complications.
Choice B Reason:
Applying warm compresses to the affected eye is not an appropriate intervention for acute narrow-angle glaucoma. Warm compresses may provide temporary relief for some eye conditions, but they do not address the underlying issue of elevated intraocular pressure. In fact, warm compresses can potentially increase blood flow to the eye, which might exacerbate the condition.
Choice C Reason:
Encouraging the patient to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated is generally good advice for overall health, but it is not a prioritized intervention for acute narrow-angle glaucoma. Hydration does not directly impact intraocular pressure or alleviate the acute symptoms of glaucoma. The primary focus should be on reducing IOP to prevent optic nerve damage.
Choice D Reason:
Administering a mydriatic agent to dilate the pupil is contraindicated in acute narrow-angle glaucoma. Mydriatic agents can worsen the condition by further narrowing the anterior chamber angle, increasing intraocular pressure, and potentially causing more damage to the optic nerve. It is crucial to avoid pupil dilation in this scenario.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Tilting the head to the side and pulling the earlobe up and back is the recommended method for adults to straighten the ear canal, allowing the drops to flow directly into the ear canal and reach the site of infection effectively. This method ensures that the medication is properly administered and can work effectively to treat the infection.
Choice B Reason:
Laying flat on your back and placing the drops on a cotton ball before inserting it into the ear canal is not a recommended method for administering ear drops. This method can prevent the medication from reaching the ear canal properly and may not be as effective in treating the infection. Additionally, using a cotton ball can absorb the medication, reducing its effectiveness.
Choice C Reason:
Tilting the head to the side and pulling the earlobe down and back is the correct method for administering ear drops to children under three years old. For adults, this method is not recommended as it does not straighten the ear canal properly, which can prevent the medication from reaching the site of infection effectively.
Choice D Reason:
Tilting the head forward and pulling the earlobe up and forward is not a recommended method for administering ear drops. This method does not properly straighten the ear canal and can prevent the medication from reaching the site of infection. It is important to follow the correct technique to ensure the medication is effective.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Storing hearing aids in a dry, cool place when not in use is crucial for maintaining their functionality and longevity. Moisture and heat can damage the delicate electronic components of hearing aids. Using a dehumidifier specifically designed for hearing aids can help prevent moisture buildup and extend the life of the devices.
Choice B Reason:
Using cotton swabs to clean the interior components of the hearing aid is not recommended. Cotton swabs can push debris further into the hearing aid and potentially damage the internal components. Instead, specialized cleaning tools such as wax loops, brushes, and earmold tubing blowers should be used to clean hearing aids properly.
Choice C Reason:
It is not okay to wear hearing aids while showering or swimming. Most hearing aids are water-resistant but not waterproof. Exposure to water can damage the hearing aids and affect their performance. It is important to remove hearing aids before any activities involving water.
Choice D Reason:
Replacing the batteries of hearing aids once a month regardless of usage is not necessary. Battery life depends on the type of hearing aid, the battery size, and the amount of usage. It is more practical to replace the batteries when they are low or depleted, as indicated by the hearing aid’s low battery warning.
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