A patient comes to the ophthalmology clinic for a checkup. The ...

[Haya94]

A patient comes to the ophthalmology clinic for a checkup. The ophthalmologist uses an anticholinergic drug as part of the examination process. What patient education should the nurse provide?
 
  This drug was used to _____________, and you may now experience _______________.
  a. dilate your pupils; sensitivity to sunlight
  b. constrict your pupils; orange discoloration over the cornea
  c. dilate your pupils; sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
  d. constrict your pupils; reddening of the eyelids for a couple of days

Question 2

A patient's spouse phones the clinic and reports, My husband used his dorzolamide (Trusopt) eye drops, and his eyes and eyelids are very red. What should we do? Select the nurse's best response.
 
  a. This is a normal and transient reaction. Continue the drops as prescribed.
  b. This is a common side effect and means that the drug is working.
  c. You are using the drug too frequently. Skip every other dose for the next week.
  d. Stop using the drops and bring him to the office as soon as possible.

[quynhmickitran]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
The nurse should explain that the drug is used to dilate the pupils and that the patient may now experience sensitivity to sunlight.
The anticholinergic effects cause dilation of the pupil, not constriction.
The dilation of the pupils results in photophobia, not skin sensitivity to sunlight.
The drug dilates the pupils; it does not constrict them. It will not cause reddening of the eyelids.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
The most common side effects of dorzolamide are ocular stinging and a bitter taste. Some patients experience conjunctivitis and lid reactions, which are allergic reactions. If these occur, the patient should stop using the drops and contact the prescriber.
These statements are inaccurate because the symptoms are related to an allergic reaction; they are not considered side effects that may subside. Skipping doses will not resolve the situation.

[Haya94]

TY

[quynhmickitran]

You're welcome