Author Question: How do beta-adrenergic blocking agents (antagonists) lower intraocular pressure? a. They increase ... (Read 89 times)

jon_i · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

How do beta-adrenergic blocking agents (antagonists) lower intraocular pressure?

a. They increase the rate that the vitreous humor is reabsorbed.
b. They slow the production of aqueous humor inside the eye.
c. They reduce systemic blood pressure, which results in lower intraocular pressure.
d. They increase the movement of aqueous humor from the posterior chamber into the anterior chamber.

Question 2

A patient who has been using travoprost (Travatan) eye drops for glaucoma reports that the eye lashes seem longer and thicker. What is the nurse's best action?

a. Teach the patient that the drug is absorbed by the blood vessels of the eye and has no effect on other eye or lid structures.
b. Instruct the patient to apply only the number of drops prescribed and to blot the area with cotton balls after each dose.
c. Remind the patient that eye drops are liquid and that wet lashes appear both longer and thicker.
d. Reassure the patient that this is an expected response to the drug and no action is needed.

kbennett34 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B
Beta-adrenergic blocking agents, more commonly known as beta blockers, bind to adrenergic receptor sites and act as antagonists. They block the receptor and prevent the naturally occurring adrenalin from binding to the receptor. Selectively blocking beta-adrenergic receptors in the eye causes less aqueous humor to be produced by the ciliary bodies. These drugs also cause the fluid to be absorbed slightly better so that less remains in the eye to contribute to intraocular pressure.

Answer to Question 2

D
An expected side effect of prostaglandin agonists is longer and thicker eyelashes on the side in which eye drops are applied. In fact, there is now a special formulation of the drug to be applied just to the lashes to increase length and thickness. In addition, the lashes, iris, and lid may be-come darker. Other than reassurance, no action is needed.