Question

The physician has prescribed phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine) for an elderly client. What is an important nursing assessment prior to administration of this drug?

1. A history of dizziness.
2. A history of narrow angle glaucoma.
3. A history of diabetes mellitus, type I.
4. A history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

Answer 1

Prior to administering phenylephrine, checking for a history of narrow angle glaucoma in the elderly client is crucial due to the potential increase in intraocular pressure caused by the drug's mydriatic effect.

Step-by-step explanation:

Before administering phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine), an important nursing assessment to consider is whether the elderly client has a history of narrow angle glaucoma. Phenylephrine is an α₁-adrenergic agonist known to cause dilation of the pupil, a condition called mydriasis, which can potentially increase intraocular pressure and worsen narrow angle glaucoma. Therefore, it is essential to ascertain whether the patient has this particular condition before proceeding with treatment using phenylephrine.