Week 1 Discussion

1. A nurse is providing care for a patient who has been diagnosed with glaucoma.  What information
needs to be included about the nursing management of a patient with glaucoma?
Assess the patient’s vision, provide patient safety, and implement measures to assist patients to manage
visual limitations. Assist with the administration of medications as indicated, demonstrate
administration of eye drops, and stress to the patient about the importance of eyedrop and other
medication compliance. Educate patient about glaucoma, educate patient on the importance of follow
up, and manage anxiety. Educate the patient on when to seek help such as if sudden vision loss occurs
or eye pain. Make sure to include the family in the care plan as well as to get checked themselves
because the disease has familial tendencies.

2.  A patient scheduled to have a cataract surgery has a lot of questions.  What information about
postoperative care and patient teaching for this patient undergoing cataract surgery needs to be
completed?
Provide education regarding eye protection, explain to the patient that an eye shield is usually worn at
night for the first week to avoid injury, and a clean, damp washcloth may be used to remove slight
morning eye discharge. Provide education on the administration of medications, recognition of
complications, activities to avoid, and obtaining emergency care. Explain that there should be minimal
discomfort after surgery and educate the patient about taking a mild analgesic agent, such as
acetaminophen, as needed. Express the importance of when to notify the surgeon such as if new
floaters (moving dots) in vision, flashing lights, decrease in vision, pain, or increase in redness occur.
Stress the importance of keeping follow-up appointments. Explain that it usually takes 6-12 weeks for
vision to stabilize and for the eye to completely heal. Visual correction may still be needed for any
remaining refractive errors.

3.  A patient has been diagnosed with Meniere disease.  What diet, medication therapy, and surgical
treatment are utilized in Meniere disease?
A patient with Meniere’s disease is to be on a low-sodium (1000 to 1500 mg/day or less) diet. The
patient should limit alcohol, foods high in sodium, and foods high in sugar. It is also necessary to limit
canned, frozen, or processed foods which can have high sodium content. Patients must also pay
attention to intake of potassium containing foods if taking a diuretic that causes potassium loss. Patients
with Meniere’s disease should also avoid caffeine because of its diuretic effect and aspirin or aspirin
containing medications because they may increase tinnitus and dizziness. Medication therapy for
Meniere’s disease may include antihistamines, tranquilizers, antiemetic agents, diuretic therapy, and an
intratympanic injection of gentamicin may be used to cause ablation of the vestibular hair cells. Some
patients with Meniere’s disease may elect to undergo surgical treatments such as an endolymphatic sac
procedure and vestibular nerve section.