Betaxolol (Betoptic) eye drops have been prescribed for the ...

[kwoodring]

Betaxolol (Betoptic) eye drops have been prescribed for the client with glaucoma. The nurse monitoring this client for side effects of the medication would place highest priority on which of the following?
 
  1. Pulse rate
  2. Blood glucose
  3. Respiratory rate
  4. Oxygen saturation

Question 2

When teaching the client about the effects of a miotic medication, the nurse plans to tell the client that the medication will:
 
  1. Reshape the lens to eliminate blurred vision.
  2. Interrupt the drainage of aqueous humor from the eye.
  3. Dilate the pupil to reduce intraocular pressure.
  4. Lower intraocular pressure and improve blood flow to the retina.

[mochi09]

Answer to Question 1

1

Rationale: Betaxolol is a -adrenergic blocking agent, as well as an antiglaucoma medication. Nursing assessments include monitoring the blood pressure for hypotension and assessing the pulse for strength, weakness, irregular rate, and bradycardia. The nurse also assesses for evidence of heart failure, manifested by dizziness, night cough, peripheral edema, and distended neck veins.

Answer to Question 2

4

Rationale: Miotics are used to lower the intraocular pressure, which then increases blood flow to the retina. This in turn decreases retinal damage and loss of vision. Miotics cause a contraction or constriction of the ciliary muscle and widen the trabecular meshwork. The other options are incorrect.