Question 1

Conjunctivitis in a child that is accompanied by acute otitis media is treated with:&#10;A)Sulfacetamide 10% ophthalmic solution (Bleph-10)&#10;B)Bacitracin/polymyxin B (Polysporin) ophthalmic drops&#10;C)Ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan) ophthalmic drops&#10;D)High-dose oral amoxicillin-clavulanate&#10;

Accepted Answer

When conjunctivitis is accompanied by acute otitis media in a child, the treatment of choice is systemic rather than topical, to address both infections effectively. High-dose oral amoxicillin-clavulanate is recommended because it covers the pathogens commonly responsible for both conditions.

Question 2

The Centers for Disease Control recommends all newborn infants receive prophylactic administration of __________ within one hour of birth.&#10;A)Gentamicin ophthalmic ointment&#10;B)Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic drops&#10;C)Erythromycin oral suspension&#10;D)Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment&#10;

Accepted Answer

Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control for prophylactic administration to all newborn infants within one hour of birth to prevent ophthalmia neonatorum caused by N. gonorrhoeae or C. trachomatis.

Question 3

A patient was prescribed betaxolol ophthalmic drops by their ophthalmologist to treat glaucoma. Oral beta blockers should be avoided in patients who use ophthalmic beta blockers because:&#10;A)There may be an antagonistic reaction between the two.&#10;B)The additive effects may include bradycardia.&#10;C)They may potentiate each other and cause respiratory depression.&#10;D)The additive effects may cause metabolic acidosis.&#10;

Accepted Answer

The additive effects of oral beta blockers and ophthalmic beta blockers can lead to systemic side effects such as bradycardia. This is because both medications can decrease heart rate, and when used together, their effects on heart rate can add up, leading to a potentially dangerous slowdown in heart rate.

Question 4

An adult patient presents to the clinic with symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis and is prescribed cromolyn sodium (Opticrom) eye drops. The education regarding cromolyn eye drops includes:&#10;A)They should not wear soft contacts while using the cromolyn eye drops.&#10;B)Cromolyn drops are instilled once a day to prevent allergy symptoms.&#10;C)Long-term use may cause glaucoma.&#10;D)They may experience bradycardia as an adverse effect.&#10;

Accepted Answer

Cromolyn sodium (Opticrom) eye drops can bind to soft contact lenses, potentially causing irritation or harm, so patients are advised not to wear soft contacts while using these drops. The other options are incorrect: Cromolyn drops are typically used multiple times a day for effectiveness, not once a day; there is no evidence to suggest that long-term use of cromolyn causes glaucoma; and bradycardia is not a known adverse effect of cromolyn eye drops.

Question 5

Education of women who are being treated with ophthalmic antibiotics for conjunctivitis includes:&#10;A)Throw away eye makeup and purchase new.&#10;B)Redness and intense burning is normal with ophthalmic antibiotics.&#10;C)When applying eye ointment, set the tip of the tube on the lower lid and squeeze in 1/4 inch.&#10;D)Use a cotton swab to apply ointment, spreading the ointment all over the lid and in the conjunctival sac.&#10;

Accepted Answer

Using contaminated eye makeup can reintroduce bacteria or other pathogens to the eye, potentially causing re-infection or worsening the current infection. Therefore, it is recommended to throw away eye makeup that was used while the infection was present and purchase new ones to prevent re-infection.

Question 6

Patient education regarding the use of ciprofloxacin-hydrocortisone (Cipro HC otic) ear drops includes:&#10;A)Fill the canal with the drops with each dose.&#10;B)Some redness and itching around the ear canal is normal.&#10;C)Warm the bottle of ear drops in his or her hand before administering.&#10;D)Cipro HC otic may cause ototoxicity.&#10;

Accepted Answer

Warming the bottle of ear drops in the hand before administering can help make the drops more comfortable to apply and reduce the sensation of cold that can stimulate reflexes or discomfort when cold drops are applied to the ear canal.

Question 7

A young adult patient comes to the clinic complaining of copious yellow-green eye discharge. Gram stain indicates she most likely has gonococcal conjunctivitis. While awaiting the culture results, the plan of care should be:

A)None, wait for the culture results to determine the course of treatment
B)Ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan) ophthalmic drops
C)Intramuscular (IM) ceftriaxone
D)High-dose oral amoxicillin

Accepted Answer

Intramuscular (IM) ceftriaxone is the recommended treatment for gonococcal conjunctivitis, as it effectively targets Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria responsible for this condition. Immediate treatment is crucial to prevent complications, and waiting for culture results is not advised.

Question 8

A patient presents to the clinic with hard earwax in both ear canals. Instructions regarding home removal of hard cerumen include:&#10;A)Moisten a cotton swab (Q-tip) and swab the ear canal twice daily.&#10;B)Instill tap water in both ears while bathing.&#10;C)Squirt hydrogen peroxide into ears with each bath.&#10;D)Instill carbamide peroxide (Debrox) twice daily until canals are clear.&#10;

Accepted Answer

Carbamide peroxide (Debrox) is an over-the-counter medication specifically designed to soften and remove earwax. It is a safe and effective method for home removal of hard cerumen. Other methods listed can be unsafe or ineffective.

Question 9

__________ is/are prescribed to prevent swimmer's ear.&#10;A)Ciprofloxacin otic drops (Ciloxan)&#10;B)Isopropyl ear drops (EarSol)&#10;C)Colistin (Coly-Mycin S Otic)&#10;D)Gentamicin otic drops&#10;

Accepted Answer

Isopropyl ear drops (EarSol) are used to prevent swimmer's ear by drying out the ear canal and preventing bacterial growth.

Question 10

Ciprofloxacin otic drops are contraindicated in:&#10;A)Children&#10;B)Patients with acute otitis externa&#10;C)Patients with a perforated tympanic membrane&#10;D)Patients with swimmer's ear&#10;

Accepted Answer

Ciprofloxacin otic drops are contraindicated in patients with a perforated tympanic membrane because the medication can potentially cause ototoxicity if it comes into contact with the middle ear.

Deck 26: Drugs Used to Treat Eye and Ear Disorders