For a client with open-angled glaucoma using timolol and pilocarpine drops, how should the doses be administered?

The correct answer outlines the appropriate timing for administering the eye drops, which is crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of each medication. Administering the two different eye medications—timolol and pilocarpine—at least 5 minutes apart allows each medication to be absorbed properly into the eye without dilution or interference from the other. This staggered approach prevents the first medication from being washed out by the second, ensuring that both can perform their intended actions effectively.

In patients with open-angled glaucoma, it's important to consider the pharmacodynamics of the medications used. Timolol is a beta-blocker that reduces intraocular pressure by decreasing the production of aqueous humor, while pilocarpine is a miotic, which helps to increase the outflow of aqueous humor. Proper administration timing is therefore essential for achieving optimal intraocular pressure control.

The other options do not align as closely with best practices for administering eye drops. Touching the dropper tip to the sclera could risk contamination and potential injury to the eye. Holding pressure on the conjunctival sac, although sometimes used to enhance absorption, is not as critical as ensuring appropriate time spacing between drops. Lastly, it is generally recommended that contact lenses be removed when administering eye drops to prevent interactions and