If an NP administers timolol to a patient with closed-angle glaucoma, what effect should be expected?

In the context of closed-angle glaucoma, administering timolol, which is a non-selective beta-blocker, primarily functions to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP). By lowering IOP, timolol helps alleviate some of the symptoms associated with glaucoma, including pain. Patients with closed-angle glaucoma typically experience significant pain due to the sudden increase in pressure within the eye caused by the closure of the angle between the iris and cornea.

While timolol does indeed reduce intraocular pressure, which can indirectly lead to improvements in visual function and comfort over time, the immediate anticipated effect is pain relief. This is critical in closed-angle glaucoma, where the acute rise in pressure can be both painful and damaging to optic nerve function.

In contrast, increased visual acuity, improved peripheral vision, and reduced intraocular pressure are results that may follow successful treatment over time but are not the primary, expected immediate effects upon administration of timolol in an acute situation. The primary goal in the acute management of closed-angle glaucoma remains the reduction of IOP and associated pain relief.