Question 1

A patient has been taking the corticosteroid dexamethasone (AK Dex)but has developed bacterial conjunctivitis.The patient is given a prescription for gentamicin (Diogent)ointment.What interaction is possible if the two drugs are used concurrently?

Accepted Answer

Concurrent use of corticosteroids,such as dexamethasone,and ophthalmic antibiotics may cause immunosuppression,which may make elimination of the eye infection more difficult.

Question 2

Although dipivefrin has localized effects in the eye,it mimics the effects of the sympathetic nervous system neurotransmitters and can cause systemic effects.Which systemic effects can occur?

Accepted Answer

Dipivefrin can cause increased cardiovascular effects,mimicking the sympathetic nervous system and resulting in increased heart rate or blood pressure.

Question 3

A patient has been prescribed timolol maleate (Timoptic)eye drops.What should the nurse tell the patient to do to apply these eye drops properly?

Accepted Answer

All ophthalmic agents should be dropped into the conjunctival sac.Touching the eye with the tip of the dropper should be avoided to prevent contamination of the product.Excess eye medication should be removed only with a tissue.

Question 4

A patient with an eye injury requires an ocular examination to detect the presence of a foreign body.Which drug is used for this examination?

Accepted Answer

Fluorescein sodium is an ophthalmic diagnostic dye used to identify corneal defects and to locate foreign objects in the eye.

Question 5

Which medication is used for local anaesthesia in preparation for ocular surgery?

Accepted Answer

Tetracaine is used as a local anaesthetic for ocular surgery or other ocular procedures.

Question 6

Which condition is an indication for the use of direct- and indirect-acting miotics?

Accepted Answer

Indications for the direct- and indirect-acting miotics include open-angle glaucoma,convergent strabismus,and ocular surgery.

Question 7

A patient is being treated for uveitis.Which drug does the nurse expect that the patient is using?

Accepted Answer

Atropine is used to treat uveal tract inflammatory states.The usual dose for uveitis (inflammation of the choroid,iris,or ciliary body)in children and adults is 1 to 2 drops of the solution 2 to 3 times daily.The dose for an eye examination is 1 drop of solution,ideally 1 hour before the procedure.

Question 8

Which drug is used to reduce intraocular pressure?

Accepted Answer

Drugs used to reduce intraocular pressure include osmotic diuretics.

Question 9

The nurse is administering ophthalmic drops.Identify the correct administration steps and place them in the correct order.Not all steps will be used.

Accepted Answer

Shake all solutions and mix the contents thoroughly.Do not use any solutions with particulate matter.One of the most important standards to follow during the instillation of drops or the application of ointment is to avoid touching the eye with the tip of the dropper or container,to prevent contamination of the product.Remove any excess medication promptly,and apply pressure to the inner canthus for 1 minute (or other specified duration).Applying pressure to the inner canthus after instilling the medication is needed to prevent or decrease systemic absorption and subsequent systemic adverse effects.Apply ointments and any other ophthalmic topical drug dosage form to the conjunctival sac and never directly onto the eye (cornea).To facilitate the instillation of ophthalmic medication,tilt the patient's head back and have the patient look up at the ceiling during administration.

Quiz 57: Ophthalmic Drugs

A patient has been taking the corticosteroid dexamethasone (AK Dex) but has developed bacterial conjunctivitis.The patient is given a prescription for gentamicin (Diogent) ointment.What interaction is possible if the two drugs are used concurrently?