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Mr. Green is a 79-year-old widower who has just been diagnosed with glaucoma and has been prescribed latanoprost (Xalatan) 1 drop (1.5 mcg) in both eyes once daily. He is fiercely independent and lives alone in a small apartment. His daughter, who is a nurse, lives about 30 minutes away and visits him twice a week. In addition to glaucoma, he has mild heart failure for which he takes furosemide (Lasix) 40 mg once daily and carvedilol (Coreg) 12.5 mg twice daily. He also has a "frozen shoulder" on the right side (his dominant side) from a previous injury. As a result, he cannot bring his right hand

up to his face. He is concerned that he won't be able to instill
his own eye drops. You are concerned that he may only use the drops twice weekly when his daughter visits.
1. What type of drug is latanoprost, and what are the side effects?
2. Considering his other health problems, is this a good drug for him ? Why and why not?
3. What problems can occur if he only receives the eye
drops twice weekly?
4. How can you work with the patient to help him remain
independent and use his glaucoma medication correctly?

User Surie
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1 Answer

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1. Latanoprost is a prostaglandin analog medication used to treat glaucoma by reducing intraocular pressure. Some common side effects include eye itching, redness, stinging, burning, and blurred vision.

2. It is important to consider Mr. Green's other health problems before prescribing any medication. Latanoprost can potentially cause systemic effects such as bronchospasm and exacerbation of heart failure. Therefore, it is important to monitor him closely for any adverse reactions or changes in his symptoms.

3. If Mr. Green only receives the eye drops twice weekly, it may not be effective in controlling his intraocular pressure and could potentially lead to worsening of his glaucoma. This could result in irreversible vision loss.

4. To help Mr. Green remain independent and use his glaucoma medication correctly, several strategies can be employed. First, it is important to educate him on the importance of using the medication as prescribed and the potential consequences of not doing so. Next, a medication reminder system can be set up using pill boxes or alarms on his phone. Additionally, a low-vision aid such as a magnifying glass can be provided to help him see the medication bottle and the eye dropper. Finally, a follow-up plan can be established to monitor his adherence to the medication regimen and to adjust the plan as needed. It may also be helpful to involve his daughter in the plan to ensure that he is receiving proper care and support.
User Arthropode
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