Pharmacology Chapter 49: Drugs for Eye and Ear Disorders

The nurse administers proparacaine HCl (Ophthaine) drops to a patient prior to an eye examination. What sign will the nurse look for to determine when the examination can begin? a. Absence of the blink reflex b. Blurred vision c. Drying of the corneal epithelium d. Photophobia

a. Absence of the blink reflex

The nurse is preparing to administer olopatadine (Patanol) eyedrops to a patient who has allergic conjunctivitis. The patient tells the nurse that the drops have caused burning and stinging. What action will the nurse take? a. Administer the drops and reassure the patient that this is a normal side effect. b. Offer an over-the-counter eye lubricant to minimize this adverse effect. c. Request an order for antibiotic eyedrops. d. Withhold the medication and notify the provider.

a. Administer the drops and reassure the patient that this is a normal side effect.

The nurse is performing a medication history on a patient who has glaucoma. The patient cannot remember the name of the drug prescribed but tells the nurse that the drug causes light sensitivity. The nurse knows that the drug is among which class of medications? a. Alpha-adrenergic agonists b. Beta-adrenergic blockers c. Cholinergic agonists d. Cholinesterase inhibitors

a. Alpha-adrenergic agonists

The nurse is administering timolol (Timoptic) eye drops to a patient who has glaucoma. To prevent bradycardia, the nurse will perform which action? a. Apply pressure to the lacrimal ducts. b. Have the patient sit up after instilling the drops. c. Prepare to administer an alpha-adrenergic agonist. d. Wait 5 minutes between drops.

a. Apply pressure to the lacrimal ducts.

The nurse is caring for a patient who has increased intraocular pressure. The provider has ordered a cholinergic agonist. The nurse will perform a thorough health history to make sure the patient does not have a history of which condition? a. Asthma b. Diabetes c. Hypertension d. Renal disease

a. Asthma

The nurse is preparing to administer dipivefrin (Propine) drops as a mydriatic agent. Which assessment would cause the nurse to withhold the drug and notify the provider? a. Blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg b. Heart rate of 60 beats per minute c. Respiratory rate of 12 breaths per minute d. Temperature of 37.9° C

a. Blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg

The parent of a toddler asks the nurse what can be done to prevent otitis media. What will the nurse recommend? a. Administer diphenhydramine when the child has a runny nose. b. Give phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine Ophthalmic) to prevent congestion. c. Keep the child's immunizations up to date. d. Remove cerumen with carbamide peroxide (Auro Ear Drops).

c. Keep the child's immunizations up to date.

The nurse is caring for an African-American patient who has been diagnosed with glaucoma. The nurse anticipates that which medication will be most effective for this client? a. Bimatoprost (Lumigan) b. Latanoprost (Xalatan) c. Travoprost (Travatan Z) d. Unoprostone (Rescula)

c. Travoprost (Travatan Z)

The nurse is counseling an adolescent patient who has recurrent otitis externa and who works as a lifeguard in the summer about preventing this condition. The nurse will teach this patient to a. avoid using ear plugs while swimming. b. request a prescription for prophylactic antibiotic eardrops. c. use a hair dryer to dry the ears after swimming. d. wear a medical alert bracelet.

c. use a hair dryer to dry the ears after swimming.

The nurse is providing teaching for a patient who will begin using tobramycin ointment (Nebcin) 0.5 inches 3 times daily. The patient currently uses pilocarpine HCl (Isopto Carpine) drops to treat glaucoma. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching? a. "I should apply the third dose of tobramycin at bedtime each day." b. "I should instill the drops in the conjunctival sac of the lower eyelid." c. "I should not stop the medications without consulting my provider." d. "I should put the ointment on first and then instill the eyedrops."

d. "I should put the ointment on first and then instill the eyedrops."