A 70-year-old patient presents with complaints of visual disturbances. Upon assessment, the patient reports experiencing difficulty reading, seeing faces clearly, and needing more light when performing tasks. What is the most likely clinical manifestation of macular degeneration?
Night blindness
Central vision loss
Peripheral vision loss
Double vision
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason:
Night blindness, or difficulty seeing in low light, is not a primary symptom of macular degeneration. This condition primarily affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. Night blindness is more commonly associated with conditions like retinitis pigmentosa or vitamin A deficiency.
Choice B Reason:
Central vision loss is the hallmark of macular degeneration. This condition leads to the deterioration of the macula, causing blurred or lost central vision while peripheral vision remains intact. Patients often report difficulty reading, recognizing faces, and performing tasks that require fine visual detail3.
Choice C Reason:
Peripheral vision loss is not typically associated with macular degeneration. This condition affects the central part of the retina, leaving peripheral vision largely unaffected. Peripheral vision loss is more commonly seen in conditions like glaucoma.
Choice D Reason:
Double vision, or diplopia, is not a characteristic symptom of macular degeneration. This condition affects the clarity of central vision but does not typically cause double vision. Double vision can result from issues with the eye muscles or nerves, such as in cases of strabismus or cranial nerve palsies.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: Optic Neuritis
Optic neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve that can cause pain and vision loss. The pain typically worsens with eye movement, and vision loss usually occurs in one eye. Symptoms include temporary vision loss, visual field loss, loss of color vision, and flashing lights. However, optic neuritis does not typically cause nausea or seeing halos around lights, and the pupil reaction to light is usually preserved.
Choice B: Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration primarily affects central vision and is more common in older adults. It can cause blurred or reduced central vision, difficulty recognizing faces, and visual distortions such as straight lines appearing bent. However, it does not cause sudden onset eye pain, nausea, or seeing halos around lights. The pupil reaction to light remains normal in macular degeneration.
Choice C: Narrow Angle Glaucoma
Narrow angle glaucoma, also known as acute angle-closure glaucoma, is a medical emergency characterized by a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. Symptoms include severe eye pain, nausea, vomiting, seeing halos around lights, and a mid-dilated, non-reactive pupil. This condition occurs when the drainage angle between the iris and cornea becomes blocked, leading to a rapid rise in eye pressure. Immediate treatment is necessary to prevent permanent vision loss.
Choice D: Cataract
Cataracts cause clouding of the lens, leading to symptoms such as blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, sensitivity to light, and seeing halos around lights. However, cataracts develop gradually and do not cause sudden onset eye pain or nausea. The pupil reaction to light is also typically normal in cataract patients.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Monitoring platelet counts and assessing for signs of bleeding is crucial for managing thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia is characterized by a low platelet count, which increases the risk of bleeding. Regular monitoring helps in detecting any significant drops in platelet levels, allowing for timely interventions to prevent severe bleeding. Assessing for signs of bleeding, such as petechiae, bruising, or nosebleeds, is essential to manage the condition effectively and prevent complications.
Choice B Reason:
Administering aspirin to manage pain and prevent clot formation is not appropriate for patients with thrombocytopenia. Aspirin is an antiplatelet agent that inhibits platelet function, which can exacerbate bleeding tendencies in patients with low platelet counts. Using aspirin in this context could increase the risk of bleeding and is therefore contraindicated.
Choice C Reason:
Administering a diuretic to reduce fluid retention and swelling is not relevant for managing thrombocytopenia. Diuretics are used to manage conditions like hypertension and edema but do not address the underlying issue of low platelet counts. In fact, diuretics can lead to electrolyte imbalances, which may complicate the patient’s condition further.
Choice D Reason:
Encouraging the patient to increase physical activity to improve circulation is not a priority intervention for thrombocytopenia. While physical activity is generally beneficial for overall health, it can increase the risk of trauma and bleeding in patients with low platelet counts. It is important to avoid activities that could lead to injury and bleeding in these patients.
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