Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

What is the name for medication used to dilate the pupil?

1. Miotics

2. Myopics

3. Mydriatics

4. Muscarinics

The correct answer is: Mydriatics

The term for medication used to dilate the pupil is mydriatics. These agents work by blocking the action of the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to the relaxation of the iris sphincter muscle, which results in pupil dilation. Mydriatics are commonly used in ophthalmology during examinations and surgeries to allow for a better view of the interior structures of the eye. Mydriatics are essential in procedures where a wide field of view is necessary, enabling healthcare providers to assess the health of the retina and other parts of the eye more effectively. This dilation enhances the diagnostic capabilities as well as assists during surgical interventions. The other terms listed do not refer to pupil dilation. Miotics, for example, are medications that constrict the pupil, while myopics pertains to nearsightedness and is not related to pharmacology. Muscarinics relate to a type of receptor in the nervous system that can influence various bodily functions, including those of smooth muscles and glands, but they do not directly indicate dilation of the pupils. Thus, mydriatics is indeed the correct answer for medications that serve the purpose of pupil dilation.