Author Question: A client with glaucoma is being treated with timolol (Timoptic) ophthalmic drops. The client ... (Read 89 times)

mwit1967 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A client with glaucoma is being treated with timolol (Timoptic) ophthalmic drops. The client complains of blurry vision and eye burning and does not want to continue to use the medication. How should the nurse respond?

1. These are expected side effects for this type of medication and might lessen over time.
2. If you place a finger over the inner part of your eyes, these problems should become less noticeable.
3. In order to preserve your eyesight, it is important to keep using these drops. It is normal to experience temporary burning.
4. These problems might indicate another eye problem. Be sure to tell your ophthalmologist about these concerns.

Question 2

A client is receiving latanoprost (Xalatan) for open-angle glaucoma. Which medication information provided by the nurse is incorrect?

1. The medication will increase the outflow of aqueous humor.
2. Your eyelashes may grow longer and thicker and could become darker.
3. Your gray eyes might become more pigmented and turn brown.
4. You must monitor your blood pressure and pulse prior to administration of this drug.

tanna.moeller · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Local burning and blurred vision are common side effects. However, this response does not provide information to encourage continued use despite the side effects.
Rationale 2: Applying pressure over the lacrimal duct can help reduce the risk of systemic absorption but does not address the burning or blurry vision.
Rationale 3: This answer emphasizes the need to continue to use the eyedrops despite the burning that occurs temporarily.
Rationale 4: Because burning and blurring vision are the most common side effects, it is not necessary to contact the ophthalmologist at this point.
Global Rationale: The nurse should emphasize the need to continue to use the eyedrops despite the burning. It is not enough to just acknowledge the fact that burning can occur with these drops. Applying pressure over the lacrimal duct can help reduce the risk of systemic absorption but does not address the burning or blurry vision. Because burning and blurring vision are the most common side effects, it is not necessary to contact the ophthalmologist at this point.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: Prostaglandin analogs lower intraocular pressure by increasing the flow of aqueous humor.
Rationale 2: Prostaglandins increase the growth and pigmentation of the eyelashes.
Rationale 3: A harmless brown discoloration can occur with prostaglandin agents used for glaucoma. Stopping the medication will prevent further discoloration, but the existing color changes usually do not regress.
Rationale 4: Prostaglandins have fewer adverse effects than do beta blockers and do not require monitoring of blood pressure or pulse.
Global Rationale: Prostaglandins have fewer adverse effects than do beta blockers and do not require monitoring of blood pressure or pulse. Prostaglandin analogs lower intraocular pressure by increasing the flow of aqueous humor. They may increase the growth and pigmentation of the eyelashes. A harmless brown discoloration can occur with prostaglandin agents used for glaucoma. Stopping the medication will prevent further discoloration, but the existing color changes usually do not regress.