The nurse is caring for a 74-year-old patient with chronic open-angle glaucoma. After the nurse administers pilocarpine, the patient reports blurred vision. Which nursing action is most appropriate?

Question

A) Holding the next dose and notifying the physician
B) Treating the patient for an allergic reaction
C) Suggesting that the patient put on his glasses
D) Explaining that this is an expected adverse effect

Answer 1

Ans: D
Feedback: Pilocarpine, a miotic drug used to treat glaucoma, achieves its effect by constricting the pupil. Blurred vision lasting 1 to 2 hours after instilling the eye drops is an expected adverse effect. The patient may also note difficulty adapting to the dark. Because blurred vision is an expected adverse effect, the drug doesn't need to be withheld nor does the physician need to be notified. Likewise, the patient doesn't need to be treated for an allergic reaction. Wearing glasses won't alter this temporary adverse effect.