The ophthalmologist asks the nurse to prepare to assist in the administration of tetracaine, fluorescein stain, and atropine for a diagnostic eye examination. Before assisting in the procedure, it is most important for the nurse to inform the ophthalmologist if the patient has a history of which condition?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Atropine is a mydriatic agent that dilates the pupil and can precipitate angle-closure glaucoma in patients with a narrow anterior chamber angle. Therefore, it is critical to inform the ophthalmologist if the patient has a history of angle-closure glaucoma. Cataracts (A), open-angle glaucoma (C), and macular degeneration (D) are not contraindications for the use of atropine.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Sedatives and hypnotics are drugs that act as depressants on the central nervous system. They slow down brain activity, leading to relaxation, drowsiness, and in higher doses, inducing sleep. These drugs are commonly used to reduce anxiety, promote sleep, or induce anesthesia. Therefore, the correct classification for sedatives and hypnotics is as depressants.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Valproate belongs to the category class of anticonvulsants, which means it is primarily used to treat seizures and epilepsy. Additionally, valproate also has properties that make it effective in the treatment of vascular headaches, such as migraines. It is not an anticoagulant, antianxiety medication like benzodiazepines, or a mood stabilizer.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Aspirin, or acetylsalicylic acid, is metabolized to salicylic acid and acetic acid, not acetone, making the hydrolysis statement false. At low doses, it follows first-order kinetics, where elimination rate is proportional to concentration, a true statement reflecting its predictable clearance under therapeutic levels. It's primarily conjugated in the liver (e.g., to salicyluric acid), but excreted mainly via urine, not bile, so that's false. Aspirin irreversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) by acetylating it, unlike reversible NSAIDs, making that option false. The correct answer highlights aspirin's pharmacokinetic behavior at low doses, critical for its use in analgesia or cardioprotection, where steady-state effects depend on consistent elimination, contrasting with zero-order kinetics at overdose levels.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Long-term morphine via pump sustains certain effects. Constipation persists-tolerance doesn't fully develop to GI μ-receptor effects, unlike analgesia , euphoria , or sedation (E). Pupil dilation is incorrect; morphine causes miosis. After 22 years, constipation remains a chronic issue, reflecting opioid pharmacology.