Author Question: The nurse practitioner is treating a clinic patient who has been diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma. ... (Read 28 times)

Yi-Chen · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The nurse practitioner is treating a clinic patient who has been diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma. The prescriber orders pilocarpine (Pilocar).

What question about the health history would it be most pertinent for the nurse to ask prior to administering the eye drops? Do you have a history of
a. asthma?
b. rapid heart rate?
c. GERD?
d. migraines?

Question 2

A patient is started on latanoprost (Xalatan) for treatment of glaucoma. The nurse provides patient education on the medication. What statement by the patient best demonstrates understanding of latanoprost?

a. The drug may produce drowsiness, so I will use caution when driving or operating dangerous machinery.
b. Nausea and vomiting are common side effects, and antiemetic drugs may be needed.
c. Hypotension is common with this medication, so I should change positions slowly.
d. The drug may cause a harmless, heightened brown pigmentation of the iris.

kingfahad97 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
The nurse should ask whether the patient has a history of asthma. Caution should be exercised in patients with asthma or bradycardia, because bronchospasm or bradycardia may worsen as a result of the systemic parasympathomimetic effects of pilocarpine. However, these systemic effects are rare.
The systemic effect, although rare, would be bradycardia not tachycardia.
GERD and migraines are not contraindications to pilocarpine.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
The most significant side effect of latanoprost is a harmless, heightened brown pigmentation of the iris. This statement indicates understanding.
Latanoprost is not known to cause drowsiness; further teaching is needed.
Nausea and vomiting are not common side effects; further teaching is needed.
Latanoprost does not cause hypotension; further teaching is needed.