Question 1

Cerumenolytics are used to harden watery wax in the ear.

Accepted Answer

Cerumenolytics are used to soften and break down earwax, not harden it.

Question 2

To safely store ophthalmic and otic medications, medications with the same name should be stored next to each other or in close proximity so that the allied health professional can be sure to use the correct medication.

Accepted Answer

Storing medications with similar names next to each other increases the risk of medication errors. It is safer to store them separately to avoid confusion and ensure the correct medication is administered.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT true of agents for glaucoma?

Accepted Answer

Medications used topically in the eye can indeed have systemic side effects. For example, topical beta-blockers used for glaucoma can affect heart rate and blood pressure. Therefore, the statement that medications used topically in the eye do not have side effects is not true.

Question 4

Corticosteroids may cause increased ocular pressure, while ibuprofen may alter color vision and may cause blurred vision.

Accepted Answer

Corticosteroids can increase intraocular pressure and ibuprofen can cause changes in color vision and blurred vision.

Question 5

Agents that mimic the sympathetic nervous system bring about pupillary dilation, while cycloplegic agents cause paralysis of the ciliary muscles and prevent accommodation. These medications are used primarily for diagnostic testing.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Sympathomimetic agents dilate the pupils, while cycloplegic agents paralyze the ciliary muscles and prevent accommodation. These medications are commonly used in diagnostic testing, such as eye exams.

Question 6

Medications used for systemic diseases have no ocular side effects.

Accepted Answer

Medications used for systemic diseases can have ocular side effects. Certain medications can cause dry eyes, changes in vision, or even vision loss. It is important for patients to inform their ophthalmologist of all medications they are taking and to report any changes in their vision or ocular comfort.

Question 7

Otic antiinfective agents

Accepted Answer

Otic antiinfective agents can be administered as either instillations or irrigations (A), are used to reduce swelling, promote drainage of infections, and relieve pruritus of the ear (B), and can have side effects such as irritation, swelling, and urticaria (C), making all the given options correct.

Question 8

The side effects of miotics include

Accepted Answer

Miotics, which are medications used to treat certain eye conditions such as glaucoma, can cause side effects including eye irritation, myopia and blurred vision, and headaches.

Question 9

OTC ophthalmic medications are always safe for use by all people because the FDA has approved the use of these drugs.

Accepted Answer

Not all OTC ophthalmic medications are safe for use by all people, as some may have contraindications, interactions with other medications, or adverse effects. It is important to read the label and consult with a doctor or pharmacist before using any medication, even if it is available without a prescription.

Question 10

Local ophthalmic anesthetic agents are used for tonometry.

Accepted Answer

Local ophthalmic anesthetic agents are commonly used for tonometry as they help alleviate any discomfort or pain the patient may experience during the procedure.

Question 11

When a local ophthalmic anesthetic is used, the patient should be warned about the loss of the blink reflex and the increased possibility of injury.

Accepted Answer

It is important to warn the patient about the loss of the blink reflex and the increased risk of injury when a local ophthalmic anesthetic is used. This is because the anesthetic can temporarily paralyze the muscles that control the eyelids, causing the patient to be unable to blink and protect the eye from injury.

Question 12

Which of the following statements are true concerning ophthalmic anti-inflammatory and antiinfective agents?
1. Most ophthalmic antiinfective/anti-inflammatory agents are effective on mucous membranes that have been injured or are inflamed.
2.To discourage drug-resistant strains of antiinfectives, antibiotics for ophthalmologic problems should be administered locally.
3. Any topical medication may be used in the eye.
4.With viral infections, both eyes may need to be treated.
5.In irrigating eyes, the head should be turned toward the affected side to prevent 	cross-contamination of the unaffected eye.

Accepted Answer

Statement 1 is true because ophthalmic anti-inflammatory and antiinfective agents are effective on mucous membranes that have been injured or are inflamed.
Statement 2 is true because to discourage drug-resistant strains of antiinfectives, antibiotics for ophthalmologic problems should be administered locally.
Statement 3 is false because not all topical medications may be used in the eye.
Statement 4 is true for viral infections because both eyes may need to be treated to prevent the infection from spreading.
Statement 5 is true because when irrigating eyes, the head should be turned toward the affected side to prevent cross-contamination of the unaffected eye. 
Therefore, the correct choice is B.

Question 13

Otic antiinfectives may be which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Otic antiinfectives can include a variety of agents such as drying agents, which help to dry out the ear canal; antibiotics, which target bacterial infections; and corticosteroids, which can reduce inflammation. Therefore, all of the options listed are correct.

Question 14

When using ophthalmic anticholinergics, patients should wear dark glasses in sunshine and use dimmed lights but should have no problems with moving about after dark.

Accepted Answer

Ophthalmic anticholinergics can dilate pupils and decrease accommodation, leading to sensitivity to light and potentially blurred vision, which can make moving about after dark more difficult due to impaired vision.

Question 15

Drugs may be used to obtain mydriasis and miosis with ocular examinations and treatment of eye diseases.

Accepted Answer

Drugs such as tropicamide and phenylephrine can be used to induce mydriasis (pupil dilation) for ocular examinations, while pilocarpine can be used to induce miosis (pupil constriction) for the treatment of certain eye diseases like glaucoma.

Question 16

Eye infections should be treated with topical anti-inflammatory and antiinfective agents without doing a culture of the secretions.

Accepted Answer

A culture of the secretions can help identify the specific bacteria or virus causing the infection, and can guide the use of specific antibiotics or antiviral medications for more targeted treatment.

Question 17

Medications used in the ear often contain more than one ingredient so that more than one symptom or condition is treated at one time.

Accepted Answer

Medications used in the ear often contain more than one ingredient so that more than one symptom or condition, such as pain, inflammation, and infection, can be treated simultaneously.

Question 18

Ear analgesics may be warmed mineral oil, sweet oil, or glycerin as well as medications with benzocaine.

Accepted Answer

Ear analgesics such as warmed mineral oil, sweet oil, or glycerin as well as medications with benzocaine can provide relief for ear pain.

Question 19

Which of the following statements is NOT true?

Accepted Answer

The use of mydriatics (agents that dilate the pupil) can cause adverse effects in patients with cardiovascular disease, such as increased blood pressure and heart rate. Therefore, it is not considered safe in all patients with cardiovascular disease.

Question 20

Medications for ophthalmic conditions may cause systemic effects.

Accepted Answer

Medications for eye conditions can be absorbed systemically and may cause side effects in other parts of the body. It is important to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

Quiz 21: Eye and Ear Disorders