The nurse is educating a patient who has been newly prescribed eye medications to treat glaucoma.
How can the nurse best determine if the patient can safely and effectively self-administer the medications?

Ask the patient to demonstrate the instillation of the medications.

Assess the patient for any previous inability to self-manage medications.

The patient accurately describes the directions for administering the medications.

Assess the patient’s functional status.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale
The best way to determine if a patient can safely and effectively self-administer medications is to ask the patient to demonstrate the instillation of the medications. This allows the nurse to directly observe the patient’s technique, identify any errors, and provide immediate feedback and instruction. It also gives the patient an opportunity to ask questions and clarify any misunderstandings. This method is often referred to as the “show-back” or “teach-back” method and is widely used in patient education to confirm understanding and competency.
Choice B rationale
While assessing the patient for any previous inability to self-manage medications can provide useful information, it does not directly assess the patient’s ability to self-administer the new eye medications. Previous difficulties may be due to factors that do not apply to the current situation, such as complex medication regimens, cognitive impairment, or lack of resources.
Choice C rationale
Although the patient accurately describing the directions for administering the medications indicates that the patient understands the instructions, it does not necessarily mean that the patient can perform the task correctly. Physical limitations, dexterity issues, or misunderstanding of the instructions can still result in incorrect administration.
Choice D rationale

Assessing the patient’s functional status can provide valuable information about the patient’s overall ability to perform activities of daily living, including medication management.
However, it does not specifically assess the patient’s ability to self-administer eye medications.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The correct answer is: = b. Prostaglandins

Choice A: Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: These medications can be used for glaucoma, but they are not typically the first-line treatment due to potential side effects.

Choice B: Prostaglandins (Correct Answer) These are often the preferred initial medication for glaucoma because they are effective at lowering eye pressure, have minimal systemic side effects, and are typically used once daily.

Choice C: Alpha-agonists: These medications can be used as an adjunct to other glaucoma medications but are not usually the first choice due to potential side effects like dry mouth and fatigue.

Choice D: Beta-blockers: While once a common first-line treatment, beta-blockers have been largely replaced by prostaglandins due to potential side effects like slowed heart rate and worsened breathing problems.

A. Venous thromboembolism B. Hemorrhage C. Contractures D. Pressure ulcers E. Pneumonia

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious complication that can occur in comatose patients. Immobility is a major risk factor for VTE, and comatose patients are often immobile. Therefore, nurses should be vigilant for signs of VTE, such as swelling, pain, or redness in the extremities.
Choice B rationale
Hemorrhage is not typically a direct complication of coma. However, the underlying cause of the coma, such as a traumatic brain injury, could potentially lead to hemorrhage.
Choice C rationale
Contractures, or the shortening and hardening of muscles, tendons, or other tissue, can occur in comatose patients due to prolonged immobility. Regular movement and physiotherapy can help prevent this complication.
Choice D rationale
Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, are a common complication in comatose patients. They occur when there is prolonged pressure on the skin, usually over bony areas. Regular turning and good skin care can help prevent pressure ulcers.
Choice E rationale
Pneumonia is a common complication in comatose patients, often resulting from aspiration (inhaling food, stomach acid, or saliva into the lungs)2. Nurses should be vigilant for signs of pneumonia, such as fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.

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The nurse is educating a patient who has been newly prescribed eye medications to treat glaucoma. How can the nurse best determine if the patient can safely and effectively self-administer the medications?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The patient with glaucoma is usually started on the lowest dose of medication. Which of the following is the preferred initial ophthalmic medication?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is providing care for a comatose patient and regularly assessing for potential complications. What complications should the nurse be looking for?

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]

Explanation

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The nurse is educating a patient who has been newly prescribed eye medications to treat glaucoma.
How can the nurse best determine if the patient can safely and effectively self-administer the medications?