A nurse is preparing to administer timolol eye drops for a client who has glaucoma. When instilling the medication, which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A.
Instruct the client to blink several times after instillation of the medication.
B.
Ask the client to look straight ahead during instillation of the medication.
C.
Apply pressure to the bridge of the nose after instillation of the medication.
D.
Place each drop of the medication directly on to the client’s cornea.
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is C. Apply pressure to the bridge of the nose after instillation of the medication.
Explanation:
When administering timolol eye drops or any other eye medication, proper technique is crucial to ensure effectiveness and minimize potential side effects. Timolol is a non-selective beta-blocker used to reduce intraocular pressure in clients with glaucoma. Here’s a breakdown of why option C is correct and why the other options are less appropriate:
1. Apply Pressure to the Bridge of the Nose:
After instilling timolol eye drops, it is essential to apply gentle pressure to the inner canthus of the eye, which is located at the bridge of the nose. This technique is referred to as nasolacrimal occlusion. By doing this, you help prevent the medication from draining into the nasolacrimal duct, which can reduce systemic absorption and potential systemic side effects. It also increases the medication’s local effect within the eye. This action ensures that a greater amount of the medication remains on the ocular surface and improves its efficacy.
2. Instruct the Client to Blink Several Times:
Instructing the client to blink several times is not recommended because it can cause the medication to be spread over the ocular surface too quickly or even lead to the medication being expelled. It’s better to allow the medication to remain on the eye’s surface without immediate blinking, which helps in its absorption.
3. Ask the Client to Look Straight Ahead:
While it is generally helpful for the client to look upward when administering eye drops, asking them to look straight ahead is not incorrect but less effective. The client’s gaze should ideally be directed slightly upward to help ensure the drops fall into the lower conjunctival sac where they are most likely to be absorbed.
4. Place Each Drop Directly onto the Cornea:
Placing the drop directly onto the cornea is not advised as it can cause irritation or damage to the corneal surface. The eye drop should be administered into the conjunctival sac, which is the space between the lower eyelid and the eye. This ensures proper application while minimizing discomfort and potential harm.
Using proper technique ensures the maximum benefit from the medication and reduces the risk of adverse effects.