The health care provider prescribes the antibiotic tetracycline HCl for an adult client who arrived at an outpatient clinic. Which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching plan for this client?

Choice A reason: Using the eye drops until the excess pressure is reduced is not an accurate response, as it implies that the eye drops are only a temporary treatment. Open-angle glaucoma is a chronic condition that causes increased pressure in the eye due to impaired drainage of the aqueous humor. The eye drops are used to lower the eye pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve. The client will need to use the eye drops for the rest of their life, unless the healthcare provider advises otherwise.

Choice B reason: Using the eye drops for long-term control of pain and swelling is not an accurate response, as it does not address the main goal of the treatment. Open-angle glaucoma does not usually cause pain or swelling, as the pressure builds up gradually and painlessly. The eye drops are used to lower the eye pressure and prevent vision loss, not to relieve inflammation or discomfort.

Choice C reason: Using the eye drops until a smaller angle can be restored is not an accurate response, as it confuses open-angle glaucoma with closed-angle glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is characterized by a wide and open angle between the iris and the cornea, which allows the aqueous humor to flow freely. Closed-angle glaucoma is characterized by a narrow or closed angle that blocks the drainage of the aqueous humor. The eye drops are used to lower the eye pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve, not to change the angle of the eye.

Choice D reason: Using the eye drops for long-term control of normal eye pressure is the most accurate response, as it reflects the purpose and duration of the treatment. Open-angle glaucoma is a chronic condition that requires lifelong management. The eye drops are used to lower the eye pressure and prevent vision loss, which can occur if the pressure is too high for too long. The client should use the eye drops as prescribed and follow up with the healthcare provider regularly.

Choice A reason: Priming the inhaler with 7 pumps is an incorrect action, as it wastes the medication and reduces the number of doses available. The nurse should teach the client that ipratropium inhaler only needs to be primed once when it is first used, or if it has not been used for more than 3 days. To prime the inhaler, the client should spray it into the air away from the face until a fine mist appears.

Choice B reason: Rinsing the mouth after each use is a correct action, as it prevents dry mouth and irritation caused by the medication. Ipratropium is an anticholinergic drug that blocks the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates the secretion of saliva and mucus. The nurse should teach the client to rinse the mouth with water or mouthwash after using the inhaler, and to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

Choice C reason: Storing the medication at room temperature is a correct action, as it preserves the quality and effectiveness of the medication. The nurse should teach the client to store the ipratropium inhaler at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. The nurse should also instruct the client to check the expiration date and the dose counter of the inhaler, and to replace it when it is empty or expired.

Choice D reason: Attaching spacer device to the inhaler is a correct action, as it improves the delivery and absorption of the medication. A spacer is a device that attaches to the mouthpiece of the inhaler and creates a chamber that holds the medication until the client inhales it. The nurse should teach the client to use a spacer with the ipratropium inhaler, as it can reduce the risk of side effects, such as coughing, throat irritation, and hoarseness. The nurse should also teach the client how to clean and maintain the spacer device.