Question

question 32
1 pts
a patient diagnosed with allergic conjunctivitis and prescribed a topical antihistamine - vasoconstrictor medication reports worsening symptoms. what is the providers next step in managing this patients symptoms?
consider prescribing a topical mast cell stabilizer.
determine the duration of treatment with this medication.
prescribe a non - sedating oral antihistamine.
refer the patient to an ophthalmologist for further care.

Explanation:

When a patient with allergic conjunctivitis has worsening symptoms despite topical antihistamine - vasoconstrictor medication, the first step is to determine how long the patient has been on the medication. This can help assess if the lack of response is due to an insufficient treatment duration or other factors. A topical mast cell stabilizer may be considered later, but not as the first step. Oral antihistamines are not the initial response either. Referral to an ophthalmologist is usually for more complex or refractory cases and not the immediate next step.

Answer:

Determine the duration of treatment with this medication.