A patient has been taking bimatoprost (Lumigan) for the last 2 ...

[go.lag]

A patient has been taking bimatoprost (Lumigan) for the last 2 months. Which statement by the patient indicates to the nurse a correct understanding of this drug therapy?
 
  a. When my eyes are red or itchy, I should wait until the next day to use my glau-coma medicine.
  b. Even though my intraocular pressure is now normal, I will continue to take the drug once daily.
  c. One indication that I have used too much of this drug is when my vision be-comes blurry or fuzzy.
  d. If I forget to take the eye drops one day, I should apply them as soon as I re-member them the next day and also take the regular dose for that day.

Question 2

Which assessment is most important for the nurse to perform before instilling latanoprost (Xalatan) into a patient's eyes?
 
  a. Measure the patient's temperature.
  b. Measure the patient's intraocular pressure.
  c. Check the cornea for abrasions or open areas.
  d. Assess heart rate and rhythm for 1 full minute.

[amandalm]

Answer to Question 1

B
Primary open angle glaucoma is not cured by drugs and the eye drops must be used as prescribed continually for control of intraocular pressure. Prostaglandin agonists are applied just once daily. If one day's dose is forgotten, the patient should not take it along with the next day's dose. Overusing drugs from this class reduces their effectiveness. Eye redness and itchiness are ex-pected as temporary local responses to eye drugs. They are not a reason to withhold the drug.

Answer to Question 2

C
Latanoprost is a prostaglandin agonist. These drugs should not be applied unless the cornea is completely intact. Measuring intraocular pressure is not necessary when a diagnosis of glaucoma has been established. Prostaglandin agonists, even if systemically absorbed, do not affect body temperature, or heart rate and rhythm.

[go.lag]

Thanks

[amandalm]

Welcome