Question

The nurse administers atropine sulfate ophthalmic drops preoperatively to the right eye of a client scheduled for cataract surgery. Which response by the client indicates that the drug was effective?

A. The pupils become equal and reactive to light.
B. The right pupil constricts within 30 minutes.
C. Bilateral visual accommodation is restored.
D. The right pupil dilates after drop instillation.

Answer 1

When the client indicates that the right pupil dilates after instillation of atropine sulfate ophthalmic drops, it confirms the effectiveness of the drug. Atropine blocks the parasympathetic response, leading to dilation of the pupil, which is desired in preparation for cataract surgery.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse administers atropine sulfate ophthalmic drops preoperatively to the right eye of a client scheduled for cataract surgery.

The client reports that the right pupil dilates after drop instillation, which indicates that the drug was effective. Atropine is an anticholinergic medication that blocks the parasympathetic responses in the eye, leading to pupil dilation (mydriasis) and temporary paralysis of the eye's accommodation. This effect is in contrast to pilocarpine, which is a muscarinic agonist that constricts the pupil. The ability of atropine to dilate the pupil facilitates the surgical process during cataract surgery by providing better access to the lens.