Chapter 43

Which discharge instruction will the nurse include for a patient sent home from the clinic who is taking an adrenergic ophthalmic solution for an acute inflammation?

Avoid driving or operating machinery until blurring subsides.

Which is a potential serious adverse effect associated with mannitol (Osmitrol)?

Fluid overload

The nurse is preparing a patient for an ophthalmic examination. Which action occurs when the nurse instills eye drops to produce mydriasis?

Extreme dilation of the pupil

What is the mechanism of action of osmotic agents when used to decrease IOP?

Increasing plasma osmolarity and drawing extracellular fluid into the blood

Timolol maleate is a beta adrenergic blocking agent used to reduce increased intraocular pressure and

reduce the production of aqueous humor

What information will the nurse include when instructing a patient on the correct method of instilling eye drops?

With an infection, prevent cross contamination and use a separate source of medication and droppers for each eye. Wash hands before and after administration. Place the lid on the surface area as instructed to avoid contamination. Never touch the tip of the dropper or opening of the ointment container.

cholinergic agent. When relaying common adverse effects of this type of medication, the nurse will include information about:

conjunctival irritation. headache.

Normal IOP using an applanation tonometer is

10 to 21 mm Hg.

A patient recently diagnosed with glaucoma is to begin drug therapy with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. For which assessment(s) would the nurse need to contact the health care provider?

Electrolyte levels Allergy to sulfonamides

Which medication is used to produce miosis following a diagnostic procedure?

Pilocarpine (Pilocar)

Which are important teaching points for the nurse to review with a patient recently diagnosed with open angle glaucoma?

The disease will cause damage to the optic disc if left untreated. Loss of peripheral vision is a common trigger for diagnosis. Total blindness may result if the glaucoma is not treated.

What information will the nurse include when teaching the patient and family about postoperative care for a trabeculectomy?

Use aseptic technique for all dressing changes and medication administration. Avoid heavy lifting. Redness in the eye, pain, and swelling are common occurrences after surgery. Avoid straining on defecation.

A factory worker had a chemical inadvertently splashed into his right eye. An eyewash was used at the work site. Which nursing assessment(s) would be important to include?

Visual acuity Presence of pain, blurred or halo vision, or lack of vision Type of chemical Presence of contacts or use of eyeglasses

Which type of medication would be used to dilate the pupils before an eye examination?

Adrenergic agent

Which statement(s) about aqueous humor is/are true?

Bathes and feeds the lens, posterior surface of the cornea, and iris Drains out of the eye through drainage channels located near the junction of the cornea and sclera Flows out of the canal of Schlemm into the venous system of the eye

What is the purpose of administering a cycloplegic agent?

Facilitate examination of the eye Facilitate surgery on the eye Paralyze the ciliary muscle