Question

A clinic nurse has provided home care instructions to a client with a diagnosis of glaucoma. Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of the treatment plan for glaucoma?

a. I need to take my eye drops for the rest of my life.
b. Glaucoma will resolve on its own with time.
c. I only need to take the eye drops when I feel eye discomfort.
d. Eye drops are only necessary for a short period.

Answer 1

The accurate statement showing understanding of the glaucoma treatment plan is that the client needs to use prescribed eye drops continuously for life to manage the condition, indicating the chronic nature of glaucoma.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question relates to a client's understanding of their treatment plan for glaucoma. Glaucoma is a condition where there is an accumulation of fluid in the lens, leading to high intraocular pressure that can cause damage to the eye if unchecked. Treatment often involves medications like eye drops which contain substances, such as 'acetazolamide', to reduce intraocular pressure by inhibiting the enzyme carbonic anhydrase. This reduction helps in controlling the fluid accumulation. Based on the information, the correct statement that indicates an understanding of the treatment plan would be: a. I need to take my eye drops for the rest of my life. This indicates that the client understands the chronic nature of glaucoma and the necessity of ongoing treatment to manage the condition.