A 72-year-old patient comes to the clinic complaining of sudden onset eye pain, nausea, and seeing halos around lights. The nurse notes that the patient’s pupil is mid-dilated and non-reactive to light. What is the most likely cause of these symptoms?
Optic neuritis
Macular degeneration
Narrow angle glaucoma
Cataract
The Correct Answer is C
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
The statement “If I forget to take my eye drops, I should wait until the next time they are due” is incorrect. For chronic open-angle glaucoma, it is important to take eye drops as prescribed to maintain consistent intraocular pressure control. If a dose is missed, the patient should take it as soon as they remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose. Skipping doses can lead to fluctuations in eye pressure, which can worsen the condition.
Choice B Reason:
The statement “Every two years I will need to have my vision checked by an eye doctor” is not accurate. Patients with chronic open-angle glaucoma typically need more frequent monitoring, often every 3 to 6 months, depending on the severity of the condition and the stability of their intraocular pressure. Regular check-ups are crucial for adjusting treatment and preventing vision loss.
Choice C Reason:
The statement “I should call the clinic before taking any over-the-counter medications” indicates an understanding of the teaching. Some over-the-counter medications can affect intraocular pressure or interact with glaucoma medications. Consulting with a healthcare provider before taking new medications helps ensure that they do not interfere with glaucoma management.
Choice D Reason:
The statement “When my vision improves, I will be able to stop taking the eye drops” is incorrect. Glaucoma is a chronic condition that requires ongoing treatment to manage intraocular pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve. Stopping medication can lead to a rapid increase in eye pressure and potential vision loss.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Encouraging a high-sodium diet is essential for patients with Addison’s disease because they often suffer from hyponatremia (low sodium levels) due to the lack of aldosterone, a hormone that helps regulate sodium and potassium balance. Increasing sodium intake helps to counteract this deficiency and maintain proper electrolyte balance.
Choice B Reason:
Administering potassium supplements is not recommended for patients with Addison’s disease because they already have hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) due to the lack of aldosterone. Adding more potassium could exacerbate this condition and lead to serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmias.
Choice C Reason:
Administering intravenous corticosteroids is a critical intervention for managing Addison’s disease, especially during an adrenal crisis. Corticosteroids like hydrocortisone help replace the deficient hormones and stabilize the patient’s condition by reducing inflammation and supporting metabolic functions.
Choice D Reason:
Monitoring blood glucose levels regularly is important because patients with Addison’s disease can experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) due to cortisol deficiency. Regular monitoring helps in timely detection and management of hypoglycemia, preventing potential complications.
Choice E Reason:
Administering diuretics is not appropriate for patients with Addison’s disease as it can lead to further electrolyte imbalances, particularly worsening hyponatremia and hyperkalemia. Diuretics increase the excretion of sodium and potassium, which is counterproductive in managing Addison’s disease.
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