A 66-year-old man is brought to the emergency department because of an hour history of dizziness and shortness of breath. After establishing the diagnosis, treatment with a drug is administered. Shortly after administration, the patient develops abrupt right eye pain and decreased vision of the right eye, along with nausea and vomiting. Ophthalmologic examination shows a fixed, mid-dilated pupil and a narrowed anterior chamber of the right eye and an elevated intraocular pressure. Which of the following is the most likely cause for this patient's eye pain?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Atropine (a muscarinic antagonist) is used to increase the heart rate in AV block due to its ability to reduce the effects of the parasympathetic nervous system on the SA node and the AV node. In the eye, atropine causes pupillary dilatation, which can result in narrowing of the anterior chamber angle and obstructed flow of aqueous humor between the posterior and anterior chamber, potentially leading to acute angle-closure glaucoma.

A 66-Year-Old Man Is Brought to the Emergency Department Because