Author Question: A nurse in an ophthalmology clinic instills an anticholinergic agent into a patient's eyes. The ... (Read 39 times)

Destiiny22 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A nurse in an ophthalmology clinic instills an anticholinergic agent into a patient's eyes. The nurse provides teaching when the patient asks the reason for the drops. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?

a. The drops help prevent my lenses from moving during the exam.
b. The drops will cause me to have blurred vision and sensitivity to light.
c. These drops allow the ophthalmologist to see inside my eyes.
d. This medication anesthetizes my eyes so that the exam won't be painful.

Question 2

A nurse is teaching a patient who will begin using a fixed-dose preparation of dorzolamide and timolol Cosopt for open-angle glaucoma. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?

a. Blurred vision, tearing, or eye dryness may occur with this medication.
b. I may experience a bitter taste in my mouth after instilling these eye drops.
c. I will need to instill two eye drops 3 times daily in each eye.
d. If I notice redness in my eyes or eyelids, I should stop using these drops.

Jadwiga9 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

D
Anticholinergic agents are used to provide mydriasis and cycloplegia. They do not affect the sensation of pain and do not provide anesthesia. Cycloplegia refers to paralysis of the ciliary muscle and prevents the lens from moving during the exam. The desired effects, which facilitate eye examinations, do not allow the eye to focus or to respond to light, so blurred vision and pho-tophobia occur. Mydriasis prevents the iris sphincter from contracting, allowing the examiner to see inside the eye.

Answer to Question 2

C
The fixed-dose preparation of dorzolamide and timolol is given as 1 drop twice daily. Blurred vision, tearing, eye dryness, and a bitter aftertaste are expected side effects. Redness in the eyes or eyelids indicates an allergic conjunctivitis and means that the drops should be discontinued.