A nurse in an ophthalmology clinic is assessing a client who has suspected primary open-angle glaucoma (PAOG). Which assessment finding would support a diagnosis of this type of glaucoma?
Loss of peripheral vision
Opacity of the lens
Decrease in color perception
Pain and purulent discharge
The Correct Answer is A
A. Loss of peripheral vision is a hallmark sign of primary open-angle glaucoma. In POAG, increased intraocular pressure causes damage to the optic nerve, leading to a gradual loss of peripheral vision. This vision loss is often subtle and progresses slowly, making it difficult for individuals to notice until the condition is advanced.
B. Opacity of the lens is characteristic of cataracts, not glaucoma. Cataracts involve the clouding of the eye's natural lens, which leads to blurred vision and difficulties with seeing clearly, particularly in bright light. While cataracts and glaucoma can occur simultaneously, opacity of the lens is not indicative of POAG.
C. Decrease in color perception can be associated with various eye conditions, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and certain types of retinal diseases. While it can occur in glaucoma as the disease progresses, it is not the primary or most characteristic sign of POAG.
D. Pain and purulent discharge are more associated with acute conditions such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) or an eye infection, rather than primary open-angle glaucoma. POAG typically presents without pain or discharge, as it is a chronic condition with a gradual onset of symptoms.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. This statement is relevant to the patient's health but does not indicate a need for further action by the nurse. Omeprazole is a common medication for acid reflux.
B. This statement is appropriate for patients with asthma. Fluticasone is a maintenance inhaler used to prevent asthma attacks, and taking it regularly as prescribed is important.
C. This statement is correct. Albuterol is a quick-relief inhaler used to treat asthma attacks.
D. This statement indicates a potential interaction with the patient's asthma medications. Beta-blockers like metoprolol can worsen asthma symptoms in some patients. The nurse should discuss this with the patient's doctor to determine if the benefits of metoprolol outweigh the risks for this individual.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. A pneumothorax, or collapsed lung, occurs when air enters the pleural space, leading to lung collapse. While a pneumothorax can be a serious issue, it is not a typical finding associated with advanced COPD.
B. Hyperinflation is a hallmark finding of advanced COPD. It occurs when air becomes trapped in the lungs due to obstructed airways and damaged alveoli, leading to increased lung volumes and overexpansion of the lungs. On a chest X-ray, hyperinflation appears as an increased retrosternal air space, flattened diaphragm, and possibly increased lung volumes.
C. The presence of masses on a chest X-ray might suggest malignancies or other lung pathologies, but it is not a typical finding in COPD. While lung cancer can co-occur with COPD, masses themselves are not a direct indicator of COPD but rather a potential separate issue that would need further evaluation.
D. Atelectasis refers to the collapse of lung tissue due to loss of air in the alveoli, which can occur from various causes including obstruction or compression of the lung. While atelectasis can be seen in various pulmonary conditions, it is not specific to advanced COPD.
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