A patient with glaucoma is prescribed timolol eye drops. What is the primary action of this medication?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Reduce intraocular pressure. Timolol is a beta-blocker that works by decreasing the production of aqueous humor in the eye, thereby reducing intraocular pressure. This action helps to prevent damage to the optic nerve in patients with glaucoma. Choices B and C are incorrect because timolol does not affect pupil size. Choice D is incorrect because timolol does not enhance tear production; in fact, it may have a drying effect on the eyes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Enoxaparin is a low molecular weight heparin that primarily affects the intrinsic pathway of coagulation. 2. INR is used to monitor the effectiveness of anticoagulants affecting the intrinsic pathway. 3. Monitoring INR helps ensure the patient is within the therapeutic range to prevent clotting without excessive bleeding. 4. PT and PTT primarily evaluate the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways, respectively, not specific to enoxaparin. 5. Platelet count is not directly related to monitoring the effectiveness of enoxaparin in treating DVT.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Suicidal thoughts. When a patient with depression is prescribed fluoxetine, there is a risk of increased suicidal thoughts, especially in the initial weeks of treatment. This is important for the nurse to monitor because it can lead to serious consequences. Weight gain (A) is a common side effect of fluoxetine but not as critical to monitor as suicidal thoughts. Bradycardia (B) and dry mouth (C) are not common side effects of fluoxetine and are less relevant to monitor in this scenario. Monitoring for suicidal thoughts is crucial for patient safety.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for choice C: 1. Metformin can cause gastrointestinal side effects. 2. Taking it with meals helps reduce stomach upset. 3. It also helps in better absorption and effectiveness. 4. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the patient to take metformin with meals. Summary of other choices: A: Taking on an empty stomach can worsen gastrointestinal side effects. B: Metformin doesn't typically cause hypoglycemia. D: Increasing simple carbohydrates can counteract the effects of metformin.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary purpose of prescribing montelukast for a patient with asthma is to prevent asthma attacks. Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that helps to reduce inflammation in the airways, thereby preventing asthma symptoms and attacks. It is not used to relieve acute bronchospasm (Choice A), as it is not a fast-acting rescue medication like a bronchodilator. Montelukast also does not thin respiratory secretions (Choice C) or suppress cough (Choice D) as its main mechanism of action is to prevent and control asthma symptoms by inhibiting leukotrienes.