A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing a change in vision. Which of the following statements indicates that the client might be developing cataracts?

A. "Note if you see any flashing bright lights on the grid." Flashing lights are not typically associated with macular degeneration. This symptom is more commonly associated with conditions like retinal detachment or migraine headaches.

B. "Check to see if the lines on the grid are blurry or distorted." This statement is correct. The Amsler grid is used to detect changes in central vision, which are common in macular degeneration. Patients with macular degeneration may perceive wavy or distorted lines instead of straight lines when looking at the grid, indicating central vision loss.

C. "Monitor for the lines on the grid to change in color or brightness." Changes in color or brightness of the lines on the grid are not typical features of macular degeneration. This statement does not accurately reflect the purpose of using an Amsler grid for macular degeneration.

D. "Watch for floating dark spots on the grid." Floating dark spots (floaters) are not typically associated with macular degeneration. Floaters are more commonly associated with conditions like posterior vitreous detachment or retinal detachment.

A. Comply with compression therapy:

Compression therapy typically refers to the use of compression garments or devices to improve circulation and reduce swelling in the extremities, particularly in conditions such as venous insufficiency or deep vein thrombosis.

While compression therapy may be beneficial for certain circulatory disorders, it is not a standard treatment for cardiac tamponade.

Cardiac tamponade is a medical emergency characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac, leading to increased pressure on the heart and impaired cardiac function.

Treatment for cardiac tamponade involves prompt recognition and intervention to relieve the pressure on the heart, such as pericardiocentesis or surgical drainage of the pericardial effusion.

B. Monitor wounds on lower extremities:

Monitoring wounds on the lower extremities is essential for assessing healing, preventing complications such as infection, and promoting overall wound care.

However, monitoring wounds on the lower extremities is not directly related to the management or monitoring of cardiac tamponade.

In cardiac tamponade, the focus of monitoring is on assessing signs and symptoms of cardiac compromise, such as hypotension, tachycardia, dyspnea, and pulsus paradoxus, rather than wound care.

C. Take antiplatelet medications as ordered:

Antiplatelet medications, such as aspirin or clopidogrel, are commonly prescribed to prevent platelet aggregation and reduce the risk of thrombotic events, particularly in patients with cardiovascular disease or a history of myocardial infarction or stroke.

While antiplatelet medications may be part of the long-term management of certain cardiac conditions, they are not specific to the treatment or monitoring of cardiac tamponade.

The primary treatment for cardiac tamponade involves interventions to relieve the pressure on the heart and restore cardiac function, such as pericardiocentesis or surgical drainage of the pericardial effusion.

D. Monitor for gradual onset of symptoms:

Phase II of cardiac tamponade is characterized by a gradual onset of symptoms as the pressure within the pericardial sac increases, leading to impaired cardiac filling and decreased cardiac output.

Symptoms may include dyspnea, fatigue, orthopnea, tachycardia, and chest discomfort, which may develop gradually over time.

Early recognition of symptoms is crucial for prompt diagnosis and intervention to prevent further deterioration and improve outcomes in patients with cardiac tamponade.