Question

The nurse is completing the admission database for a patient admitted with abdominal pain and notes a history of hypertension and glaucoma. Which prescribed medications should the nurse question?

a. Morphine sulfate 4 mg IV
b. Diazepam (Valium) 5 mg IV
c. Betaxolol (Betoptic) 0.25% eyedrops
d. Scopolamine patch (Transderm Scop) 1.5 mg

Answer 1

The nurse should question diazepam, betaxolol, and scopolamine patch due to their potential effects on blood pressure and intraocular pressure in a patient with a history of hypertension and glaucoma.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should question the medications diazepam (Valium) 5 mg IV, betaxolol (Betoptic) 0.25% eyedrops, and scopolamine patch (Transderm Scop) 1.5 mg for a patient with a history of hypertension and glaucoma.

Diazepam is a benzodiazepine that can lower blood pressure and cause drowsiness, which may worsen the patient's hypertension.

Betaxolol is a beta-blocker eye drop that can reduce blood pressure. Since the patient already has hypertension, it is important to monitor their blood pressure closely.

Scopolamine is an anticholinergic medication that can increase intraocular pressure, which is contraindicated in patients with glaucoma.

The nurse should consult with the healthcare provider and discuss alternative medications or dosages that would be safer for the patient.