A patient is prescribed an ophthalmic beta-blocking agent for the treatment of glaucoma. Which precaution does the nurse teach the patient to prevent orthostatic hypotension?
a. "Change positions slowly."
b. "Take your pulse rate at least four times each day."
c. "Be sure to lie down for at least 10 minutes after putting the drops into your eyes."
d. "Apply pressure to the inside corner of your eye when putting the drops into the eye."
D
Beta-blocking agents can cause hypotension if the eye drops are absorbed systemically. Nasal punctal occlusion during eye drop instillation keeps the drug in contact with the eye structures longer and decreases systemic absorption and side effects. The other precautions listed reduce the risk of falling if orthostatic hypotension occurs, but they do not prevent the drop in blood pressure.
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