A student nurse is reviewing for an upcoming examination and recognizes in the ECG readings that the QRS wave represents which of the following?

Choice A rationale

Without treatment, glaucoma can lead to blindness due to the progressive damage it causes to the optic nerve. Elevated intraocular pressure damages the optic nerve fibers, leading to peripheral vision loss and eventually total blindness if untreated.

Choice B rationale

Double vision is not a common symptom of glaucoma. Instead, glaucoma typically presents with symptoms like gradual peripheral vision loss, eye pain, and halos around lights.

Choice C rationale

Glaucoma is primarily caused by increased intraocular pressure, either due to overproduction of aqueous humor or improper drainage, not inadequate fluid production.

Choice D rationale

Use of eye drops helps to control intraocular pressure but does not improve vision; it helps to prevent further damage to the optic nerve.

Choice A rationale

Rhonchi are low-pitched, continuous breath sounds that are often indicative of secretions in the large airways. These sounds may change or clear with coughing, so the nurse should have the patient cough and then auscultate again to reassess the presence of rhonchi.

Choice B rationale

Wheezes are high-pitched, musical sounds heard primarily during expiration. They are caused by narrowed airways, typically due to asthma or other obstructive lung conditions. Wheezes do not usually clear with coughing and require specific treatments to address airway constriction.

Choice C rationale

Crackles are discontinuous, popping sounds heard during inspiration and are associated with fluid in the alveoli, such as in conditions like pneumonia or heart failure. Crackles are not typically cleared by coughing and may persist despite the patient's efforts to clear their airways.

Choice D rationale

Stridor is a high-pitched, harsh sound heard during inspiration, often indicating upper airway obstruction. Stridor is a medical emergency and requires immediate intervention to secure the airway. It does not clear with coughing and signifies a critical respiratory issue. .