Question

A client with glaucoma and an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has a new prescription to receive carteolol HCl (Ocupress) eye drops. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

Option 1: Instructing the client to take deep breaths before administering the eye drops
Option 2: Administering the eye drops without any special precautions
Option 3: Advising the client to close the eyes tightly after instilling the eye drops
Option 4: Withholding the eye drops and notifying the healthcare provider

Answer 1

The nurse should withhold the eye drops and notify the healthcare provider due to the potential adverse effects on a patient with acute exacerbation of COPD.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate action by the nurse in this situation would be to withhold the eye drops and notify the healthcare provider. Patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at a higher risk of adverse effects from medications that can affect respiratory function. Carteolol HCl (Ocupress) is a beta-blocker that can potentially cause bronchospasm and worsen the patient's COPD symptoms. Therefore, it is important to consult with the healthcare provider before administering the eye drops to ensure patient safety.