The nurse is providing care for a client with a recent transverse colostomy. Which observation requires immediate notification of the primary health care provider?

Choice A Reason: The client needs total nursing care is the expected outcome for a client who has a score of 6 on the Glasgow Coma Scale, which is a tool that measures the level of consciousness based on eye opening, verbal response, and motor response. A score of 6 indicates severe brain injury and coma, meaning that the client is unresponsive and dependent on others for all activities of daily living.

Choice B Reason: Indicates stable neurologic status is not the expected outcome for a client who has a score of 6 on the Glasgow Coma Scale, which indicates severe brain injury and coma. A stable neurologic status means that there are no changes in the level of consciousness, vital signs, or neurological signs.

Choice C Reason: The client has a decline in level of consciousness but is able to protect his airway is not the expected outcome for a client who has a score of 6 on the Glasgow Coma Scale, which indicates severe brain injury and coma. A decline in level of consciousness means that the client is less alert and responsive than normal, but still able to respond to stimuli and maintain airway patency.

Choice D Reason: The client is alert and oriented is not the expected outcome for a client who has a score of 6 on the Glasgow Coma Scale, which indicates severe brain injury and coma. Alert and oriented means that the client is fully awake and aware of person, place, time, and situation.

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because applying the medication when you are experiencing eye pain can be ineffective or harmful for treating open-angle glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is a chronic condition that causes increased pressure inside the eye and damage to the optic nerve, which can lead to vision loss. Eye pain is not a common symptom of open-angle glaucoma, but rather an indication of acute angle closure glaucoma, which is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. The nurse should instruct the client to apply the medication as prescribed, regardless of pain level, and seek medical attention if they experience severe eye pain, headache, nausea, or blurred vision.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because using the medication only until the intraocular pressure returns to normal can cause recurrence or worsening of open-angle glaucoma. Intraocular pressure is the pressure inside
the eye that can affect eye health and vision. Normal intraocular pressure ranges from 10 to 21 mmHg, but it can vary depending on age, time of day, or other factors. The nurse should instruct the client to monitor their intraocular pressure regularly and report any changes to their provider, but not to stop using
the medication without consulting their provider first.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because using the medication for approximately 10 days, then gradually tapering off can cause rebound or adverse effects of open-angle glaucoma. The medication for open-angle glaucoma can be either beta-blockers, such as timolol, or cholinergic agents, such as pilocarpine, which work by reducing fluid production or increasing fluid drainage in the eye. The nurse should instruct the client to follow their provider's instructions on how long and how much to use the medication and not to change or discontinue it abruptly without their provider's approval.
Choice D reason: This is correct because applying the medication on a regular schedule for the rest of your life can help control and prevent the progression of open-angle glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is a lifelong condition that requires consistent and continuous treatment to maintain normal intraocular pressure and prevent vision loss. The nurse should instruct the client to apply the medication at the same time every day and not to miss or skip any doses. The nurse should also teach the client how to store, handle, and administer the medication properly and safely.