Eye & Ear Medications — NCLEX Sensory Pharmacology Review | Chapter 54: Saunders NCLEX-PN

Eye & Ear Medications — NCLEX Sensory Pharmacology Review | Chapter 54: Saunders NCLEX-PN

Chapter 54 of Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-PN® Examination (7th Edition) by Linda Anne Silvestri and Angela E. Silvestri delivers a complete guide to pharmacologic agents for eye and ear disorders, safe administration techniques, side effects, and NCLEX-priority nursing interventions. This chapter strengthens your understanding of sensory system pharmacology to ensure safe practice and exam success.

Watch the lecture above and review the notes below to reinforce key medication knowledge for both NCLEX and clinical application.

Saunders NCLEX-PN Examination Review book cover

Eye Medication Administration

  • Apply nasolacrimal pressure to reduce systemic absorption.
  • Separate different medications by 3–5 minutes.
  • Order: drops before ointments for maximum absorption.

Mydriatics, Cycloplegics, and Anticholinergics

  • Atropine, cyclopentolate: Used for dilation; contraindicated in glaucoma.
  • Watch for systemic toxicity: flushing, tachycardia, dry mouth, confusion.

Other Eye Medications

  • Antiinfectives: Erythromycin, sulfacetamide, ganciclovir — emphasize compliance and hygiene.
  • Antiinflammatories: Corticosteroids (dexamethasone), NSAIDs — mask infection signs.
  • Anesthetics: Tetracaine — temporary use only; suppresses corneal reflex.
  • Lubricants: Polyvinyl alcohol, petroleum-based — relieve dryness, watch for preservative sensitivity.

Glaucoma Medications

  • Miotics: Pilocarpine — pupil constriction, risk of cholinergic toxicity.
  • β-blockers: Timolol — may cause bradycardia, hypotension; avoid in asthma/COPD.
  • Prostaglandins: Latanoprost — iris pigmentation changes.
  • Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: Dorzolamide — photosensitivity, hypokalemia.
  • α-agonists: Brimonidine — ocular dryness, CNS depression.
  • Ocusert system: Pilocarpine disk — continuous delivery; monitor for vision changes.
  • Osmotic agents: Mannitol — emergency IOP reduction.

Macular Degeneration Medications

  • Bevacizumab, ranibizumab — intravitreal injections; risk of endophthalmitis.

Ear Medication Administration

  • Adults: pull auricle up and back; children under 3: down and back.
  • Use warm drops to avoid vertigo and nausea.
  • Maintain correct head position after instillation.

Ear Treatments

  • Antibiotics: Amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, acetic acid — complete course, prevent superinfection.
  • Antihistamines/decongestants: Diphenhydramine, pseudoephedrine — caution in hypertension, causes dry mouth.
  • Cerumenolytics: Carbamide peroxide — softens wax; irrigate after 30 minutes.

Ototoxic Medications

  • Aminoglycosides (gentamicin), loop diuretics (furosemide), aspirin — monitor for tinnitus, hearing loss, balance issues.

NCLEX Nursing Priorities

  • Verify medication compatibility and proper administration sequence.
  • Teach patients about potential side effects and safety precautions.
  • Monitor vital signs and systemic symptoms, especially with β-blocker eye drops.
  • Educate on hygiene to prevent reinfection in eye and ear conditions.

Conclusion

Understanding the safe use, side effects, and nursing considerations for eye and ear medications is critical for both NCLEX success and patient safety. Chapter 54 provides the pharmacologic foundation needed for effective sensory system care.

Subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more NCLEX-focused lectures and nursing exam preparation tips.

View the complete Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-PN® Examination (7th Edition) playlist here: Complete NCLEX-PN Review Playlist

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