Question

A patient has had dilation of the eyes with an anticholinergic agent. What will the nurse say when preparing this patient to go home after the examination?

-Systemic side effects will not occur with this agent."
-"You may experience an increased heart rate, but this is a harmless side effect."
-"You may need to wear dark glasses until this medication wears off."
-"You will be able to read as soon as the exam is completed."

Answer 1

The nurse should tell the patient to wear dark glasses after eye dilation and inform them that reading may be difficult until the effects of the medication wear off.

Step-by-step explanation:

When preparing a patient to go home after an eye examination in which an anticholinergic agent like atropine or scopolamine has been used to dilate the eyes, the nurse should inform the patient that they may need to wear dark glasses until the effects of the medication wear off. This precaution is due to the sensitivity to light that can result from the dilation of the pupils (mydriasis). The nurse should also advise the patient that normal visual activities such as reading may be difficult immediately after the examination due to the continued effect of the eye dilation.