A 68-year-old patient presents to the clinic with complaints of gradually worsening vision. Upon examination, the nurse notes that the patient has difficulty seeing at night, increased sensitivity to glare, and a noticeable cloudiness in the lens of the eyes. Which clinical manifestation is most indicative of cataracts?
Cloudiness in the lens of the eyes
Double vision in one eye
Eye pain and redness
Sudden loss of vision
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Cloudiness in the lens of the eyes is the hallmark symptom of cataracts. Cataracts cause the lens to become opaque, leading to blurred vision and difficulty seeing clearly. This cloudiness can make it challenging to perform everyday tasks and is the most indicative sign of cataracts.
Choice B Reason:
Double vision in one eye can occur with cataracts, but it is not the most indicative symptom. While cataracts can cause visual disturbances, the primary symptom is the cloudiness of the lens, which directly impacts vision clarity.
Choice C Reason:
Eye pain and redness are not typical symptoms of cataracts. These symptoms are more commonly associated with other eye conditions such as infections or glaucoma. Cataracts primarily cause visual disturbances without significant pain or redness.
Choice D Reason:
Sudden loss of vision is not characteristic of cataracts. Cataracts develop gradually over time, leading to a slow progression of vision impairment. Sudden vision loss is more likely to be associated with acute conditions such as retinal detachment or vascular occlusions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Warm and moist skin is not a typical manifestation of hypoglycemia. Instead, hypoglycemia often causes symptoms such as cold, clammy skin due to the body’s response to low blood sugar levels. Warm and moist skin can be associated with other conditions, such as hyperthyroidism or fever, but not hypoglycemia.
Choice B Reason:
A decreased appetite is not a common symptom of hypoglycemia. In fact, hypoglycemia can sometimes cause increased hunger as the body signals the need for more glucose. Symptoms of hypoglycemia are more related to the body’s immediate response to low blood sugar, such as shakiness, sweating, and confusion.
Choice C Reason:
Increased thirst is a symptom more commonly associated with hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) rather than hypoglycemia. When blood sugar levels are high, the body tries to eliminate excess glucose through urine, leading to dehydration and increased thirst. Hypoglycemia, on the other hand, does not typically cause increased thirst.
Choice D Reason:
Feeling shaky is a classic symptom of hypoglycemia. When blood sugar levels drop, the body releases adrenaline, which can cause shakiness, sweating, and a rapid heartbeat. Recognizing this symptom is crucial for individuals with diabetes to take immediate action to raise their blood sugar levels and prevent severe hypoglycemia.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Administering IV levothyroxine is the priority intervention for a patient with myxedema coma. Myxedema coma is a severe form of hypothyroidism that requires immediate thyroid hormone replacement to correct the deficiency and stabilize the patient’s condition. Intravenous levothyroxine is preferred because it provides a rapid increase in thyroid hormone levels, which is crucial for reversing the life-threatening symptoms of myxedema coma, such as hypothermia, bradycardia, and altered mental status.
Choice B Reason:
Starting broad-spectrum antibiotics is not the primary intervention for myxedema coma. While infections can precipitate myxedema coma and should be treated if present, the immediate priority is to address the severe hypothyroidism with thyroid hormone replacement. Antibiotics may be administered if an infection is suspected or confirmed, but they do not directly address the underlying thyroid hormone deficiency.
Choice C Reason:
Administering corticosteroids immediately is important but not the highest priority. Corticosteroids are often given to patients with myxedema coma to treat potential adrenal insufficiency, which can coexist with severe hypothyroidism. However, the primary intervention remains the administration of thyroid hormone replacement to correct the hypothyroid state.
Choice D Reason:
Initiating fluid restriction is not appropriate for managing myxedema coma. Patients with myxedema coma often require careful fluid management to address potential hyponatremia and maintain hemodynamic stability. Fluid restriction is not a standard intervention for this condition and does not address the critical need for thyroid hormone replacement.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.