A client with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is undergoing photodynamic therapy with the medication Verteporfin. What should the nurse include in the discharge teaching for this client?

A. Floaters and flashes of light are classic symptoms of retinal detachment. When the retina begins to detach from the underlying tissue, it can cause these visual disturbances. Floaters are small, shadowy shapes that move across the field of vision, while flashes of light can occur due to the retina being stretched or pulled.
B. Cataracts primarily cause blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, and sensitivity to light, rather than floaters or flashes of light.
C. AMD generally affects central vision and can cause symptoms such as distorted vision, difficulty seeing in low light, and a loss of central vision. While AMD can cause vision changes, it is not typically associated with seeing floaters and flashes of light.
D. Open-angle glaucoma usually progresses slowly and is often asymptomatic in its early stages. It primarily affects peripheral vision, leading to a gradual loss of vision in the periphery.

A. Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, is a common condition among older adults. It typically involves a gradual decline in hearing ability due to changes in the inner ear or auditory nerve as people age. This statement acknowledges a common experience and helps normalize the patient's condition without suggesting immediate medical intervention or attributing it to something specific.
B. While hearing aids can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with hearing loss, not all cases immediately require them. It’s important to assess the severity of hearing loss and discuss various options with the patient, including potential benefits and drawbacks of hearing aids.
C. Hearing loss that develops gradually over time is usually related to aging, not an infection. While infections can cause temporary hearing loss, age-related hearing loss is a different issue and is typically not due to an infection.
D. While some medications can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss as a side effect (a condition known as ototoxicity), it’s important to consult a healthcare provider before making any changes to medication regimens.