A nurse administers timolol (Timoptic) ophthalmic drops to a ...

[WhattoUnderstand]

A nurse administers timolol (Timoptic) ophthalmic drops to a patient who has glaucoma. The patient reports stinging of the eyes shortly after the drops were administered. What will the nurse do?
 
  a. Monitor the patient's heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure.
  b. Notify the provider that the patient shows signs of angle-closure glaucoma.
  c. Reassure the patient that these are localized, reversible effects of the drug.
  d. Request an order for an antihistamine to treat this allergic response to the drug.

Question 2

A patient with ocular hypertension will begin using brimonidine (Alphagan) for long-term reduction of increased ocular pressure (IOP). The nurse teaches the patient about this medication.
 
  Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the teaching?
  a. After using the drops, I should wait 15 minutes before putting in contacts.
  b. Because this is a topical medication, drowsiness will not occur.
  c. I will not have cardiovascular side effects when using this medication.
  d. If my eyes begin to itch or turn red, it means I am allergic to this drug.

[jesse.fleming]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Local effects of timolol and other beta blockers are generally minimal, but transient ocular stinging can occur. There is no need to monitor vital signs, because this does not represent a systemic reaction. This is not a sign of angle-closure glaucoma. Antihistamines will not help.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Patients using this drug should wait 15 minutes before putting in contacts, because soft contacts can absorb the drug. Even though the medication is topical, it can be absorbed systemically, causing systemic side effects such as drowsiness or lowered blood pressure. Itching and hyperemia may occur and do not indicate allergy.

[WhattoUnderstand]

TYSM

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