A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has diabetes mellitus. The client reports loss of peripheral vision. For which of the following is the client at risk?
Cataracts
Open-angle glaucoma
Macular degeneration
Angle-closure glaucoma
The Correct Answer is B
Loss of peripheral vision is a classic symptom of open-angle glaucoma, a condition caused by gradual damage to the optic nerve. This occurs when aqueous humor does not drain effectively, leading to increased intraocular pressure. The condition develops slowly, and many clients are unaware until vision changes become significant. Older adults and individuals with diabetes are at higher risk of developing open-angle glaucoma.
Rationale for correct answer:
2. Open-angle glaucoma: Causes a gradual, painless loss of peripheral vision that progresses to tunnel vision if untreated. It is the most common type of glaucoma and is strongly associated with aging and diabetes.
Rationale for incorrect answers:
1. Cataracts: Cause blurred or cloudy vision and sensitivity to glare but do not affect peripheral vision. The vision loss is more generalized.
3. Macular degeneration: Leads to central vision loss, making it hard to read or recognize faces, but peripheral vision remains intact.
4. Angle-closure glaucoma: Presents suddenly with eye pain, halos, headache, and nausea, not gradual peripheral vision loss.
Take home points
- Peripheral vision loss → Open-angle glaucoma.
- Central vision loss → Macular degeneration.
- General cloudy vision → Cataracts.
- Sudden painful vision loss → Angle-closure glaucoma.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","D"]
Explanation
Cataracts are a progressive eye condition caused by the clouding of the lens, leading to a gradual decrease in vision. Common clinical manifestations include blurred vision, difficulty with glare, and the appearance of a white pupil or lens opacity. Since the onset is gradual, patients may not notice early changes until the cataract progresses. Recognizing these hallmark manifestations is important for timely intervention and patient education.
Rationale for correct answers:
3. Blurred vision: Cataracts interfere with light transmission through the lens, leading to cloudy or blurred vision. Blurred vision is a recognized clinical manifestation of cataracts.
4. White pupils: As cataracts progress, the normally black pupil may appear cloudy or white. White pupils are a recognized clinical manifestation of cataracts.
Rationale for incorrect answers:
1. Eye pain: Cataracts do not usually cause pain; they cause gradual vision changes. Eye pain is not a clinical manifestation of cataracts.
2. Floating spots: Floaters are more commonly associated with retinal detachment or vitreous changes. Floating spots are not a clinical manifestation of cataracts.
5. Bilateral red reflexes: Cataracts cause an absent or diminished red reflex, not a normal one. Bilateral red reflexes are not a clinical manifestation of cataracts.
Take home points
- Cataracts cause blurred vision and may make pupils appear white.
- They do not cause pain, floaters, or normal red reflexes.
- Nurses should monitor for progressive vision changes and prepare patients for possible surgical intervention.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
When a client reports constant itchiness in one eye, the nurse should ask focused questions to determine the cause and rule out conditions such as allergies, infection, or irritation. Key questions include asking about history of similar symptoms, duration, involvement of the other eye, and any associated drainage. These help identify whether the problem is acute, chronic, allergic, or infectious in nature.
Rationale for correct answers:
1. Has this happened before? Asking about recurrence helps identify if the issue is chronic, seasonal, or related to allergies.
2. How long have you had this problem? Duration helps determine whether the condition is acute or long-standing, guiding diagnosis.
3. Is the other eye ever itchy? Involvement of both eyes suggests allergic or systemic causes, while one eye may suggest localized irritation or infection.
4. Is there any drainage? Drainage can indicate infection or allergic response, making this a critical question.
Rationale for incorrect answer:
5. Do any family members have eye conditions? Family history is important for chronic diseases like glaucoma or macular degeneration, but it does not provide direct information about acute eye itchiness.
Take home points
- Key assessment questions → onset, duration, recurrence, involvement of both eyes, presence of drainage.
- Family history is useful for chronic eye conditions, not acute itching.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
