A client is receiving verteporfin treatment for macular ...

[yoooooman]

A client is receiving verteporfin treatment for macular degeneration. Which instruction by the nurse is appropriate based on this data?
 
  A) Use artificial tears to keep the eyes moist.
  B) Do not lift heavy objects for 2 weeks after the treatment.
  C) Flush the eyes with warm water twice a day.
  D) Avoid sunlight or bright indoor light for 5 days after treatment.

Question 2

The home care nurse is assessing a client with macular degeneration. What interventions would be appropriate to ensure home safety for this client?
 
  Select all that apply.
  A) Keep the stairs free of clutter.
  B) Wear socks without shoes when walking in the home.
  C) Utilize one electrical outlet for devices.
  D) Have grab bars installed in the bathroom.
  E) Remove scatter rugs from the floors in the home.

[carojassy25]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: D

One treatment for macular degeneration is the use of verteporfin, a drug that tends to adhere to the surface of new blood vessels. This medication is injected systemically. Light is then shined into the affected eye, activating the drug and destroying new blood vessels. This treatment is relatively fast and painless, but does require avoidance of exposure to direct sunlight or bright indoor light for 5 days following treatment. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the client to avoid sunlight. Flushing the eyes with warm water, using artificial tears, and not lifting heavy objects for 2 weeks after treatment are not indicated for the verteporfin treatment.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: A, D, E

The client with macular degeneration is at risk for injury. To reduce this risk, the nurse should instruct and plan to help the client remove scatter rugs from the floors in the home, have grab bars installed in the bathroom, and keep the stairs free of clutter. The client should not walk without proper footwear. Utilizing one electrical outlet in the home could cause an electrical hazard.