Author Question: A patient begins using timolol (Timoptic) to treat primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). The nurse ... (Read 101 times)

maegan_martin · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient begins using timolol (Timoptic) to treat primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). The nurse gives a dose and notes that the patient develops shortness of breath. The nurse assesses the patient and auscultates wheezes in both lungs.

The nurse will ask this patient about a history of which condition?
a. Asthma
b. Atrioventricular heart block
c. Pulmonary hypertension
d. Sinus bradycardia

Question 2

A patient with advanced cancer of the prostate begins treatment with leuprolide (Lupron Depot) injections and will receive 7.5 mg IM once per month.

After the first injection, the patient experiences an increase in cancer symptoms. What will the nurse tell the patient?
a. Desensitization to the drug over time will result in a decrease in these symptoms.
b. The dose of leuprolide may have to be increased to 22.5 mg per month.
c. These symptoms indicate a need for surgical castration to treat the cancer.
d. This is a sign that the patient's cancer is getting worse.

wergv · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Timolol is a beta blocker and can precipitate bronchoconstriction when absorbed systemically. Patients with asthma will develop shortness of breath and wheezing. These symptoms are not associated with AV block, pulmonary hypertension, or sinus bradycardia.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Patients taking leuprolide may initially experience an increase in cancer symptoms until GnRH receptors in the pituitary become desensitized. Increasing the dose is not indicated, and these symptoms do not warrant surgical castration. They do not reflect a worsening of this patient's cancer symptoms.