A client with glaucoma is being treated with timolol (Timoptic) ophthalmic drops. The client complains of blurry vision and eye burning and does not want to continue to use the medication. How should the nurse respond?

Question

1. "These are expected side effects for this type of medication and might lessen over time."
2. "If you place a finger over the inner part of your eyes, these problems should become less noticeable."
3. "In order to preserve your eyesight, it is important to keep using these drops. It is normal to experience temporary burning."
4. "These problems might indicate another eye problem. Be sure to tell your ophthalmologist about these concerns."

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Local burning and blurred vision are common side effects. However, this response does not provide information to encourage continued use despite the side effects.
Rationale 2: Applying pressure over the lacrimal duct can help reduce the risk of systemic absorption but does not address the burning or blurry vision.
Rationale 3: This answer emphasizes the need to continue to use the eyedrops despite the burning that occurs temporarily.
Rationale 4: Because burning and blurring vision are the most common side effects, it is not necessary to contact the ophthalmologist at this point.
Global Rationale: The nurse should emphasize the need to continue to use the eyedrops despite the burning. It is not enough to just acknowledge the fact that burning can occur with these drops. Applying pressure over the lacrimal duct can help reduce the risk of systemic absorption but does not address the burning or blurry vision. Because burning and blurring vision are the most common side effects, it is not necessary to contact the ophthalmologist at this point.