Author Question: A patient recently diagnosed with glaucoma is to begin drug therapy with carbonic anhydrase ... (Read 28 times)

2125004343 · **on:** Jul 24, 2018

A patient recently diagnosed with glaucoma is to begin drug therapy with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. For which assessment(s) would the nurse need to contact the health care provider? (Select all that apply.)

a. Electrolyte levels
b. Any signs of gastric symptoms before initiating drug therapy
c. Allergy to sulfonamides
d. Patient history of menopause
e. Elevated IOP levels

Question 2

A factory worker had a chemical inadvertently splashed into his right eye. An eyewash was used at the work site. Which nursing assessment(s) would be important to include? (Select all that apply.)

a. Visual acuity
b. Presence of pain, blurred or halo vision, or lack of vision
c. Type of chemical
d. Presence of nystagmus
e. Presence of contacts or use of eyeglasses

Viet Thy · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 24, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A, C
Baseline electrolyte studies, weight, hydration data, vital signs, and mental status should be obtained before beginning drug therapy. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors should be held and the health care provider notified if the patient is pregnant or allergic to sulfonamides. If the patient is experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, the medication should be administered with milk or food. Menopause is unrelated to the condition of glaucoma or its treatment. Elevated IOP levels are associated with glaucoma and are an expected condition. They do not need to be reported to the health care provider.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A, B, C, E
Important nursing assessments would include visual acuity and baseline vital signs. These assessments would also include subjective data such as pain, clarity, and acuity of vision; observation of any physical abnormalities of the eye or lid; pupil characteristics; drainage or excessive tearing; edema or redness; and interventions completed before arrival. Important nursing assessments would include the type and cause of injury and whether contacts or eyeglasses are worn. Nystagmus is involuntary, rhythmic, repeated oscillations of one or both eyes. The cause is unknown. It would be unrelated to chemical eye injury.