Question

A miotic medication has been prescribed for the client with glaucoma. The client asks the nurse about the purpose of the medication. The nurse tells the client that:

Option 1: It constricts the pupil and increases aqueous outflow.
Option 2: It dilates the pupil and decreases aqueous outflow.
Option 3: It dilates the pupil and increases aqueous outflow.
Option 4: It constricts the pupil and decreases aqueous outflow.

Answer 1

Miotic medication for glaucoma, such as pilocarpine, works by constricting the pupil and increasing aqueous outflow, thus reducing intraocular pressure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The purpose of a miotic medication like pilocarpine for a client with glaucoma is to lower intraocular pressure. It achieves this by causing the pupil to constrict and the ciliary muscle to contract. The contraction of the ciliary muscle opens perforations at the base of the cornea, improving aqueous outflow and leading to a reduction in intraocular pressure. Therefore, the correct answer to the client's question on the purpose of the medication is Option 1: it constricts the pupil and increases aqueous outflow.