The daughter of an elderly client diagnosed with macular degeneration asks the nurse to explain this disorder.
In formulating a response, the nurse would include information that this condition is characterized by which of the following?
Separation of the retina from the choroid.
Peripheral vision loss and seeing halos around light.
Complaints of severe pain and pressure in the eye.
Central vision loss with intact peripheral vision.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Separation of the retina from the choroid, also known as retinal detachment, is a different condition altogether. Retinal detachment can cause vision loss but is not related to macular degeneration. This condition often requires immediate medical attention to prevent permanent vision loss and is typically characterized by the sudden appearance of floaters, flashes of light, and a shadow or curtain over a portion of the visual field.
Choice B rationale
Peripheral vision loss and seeing halos around light are more commonly associated with conditions like glaucoma. Glaucoma involves increased intraocular pressure, which can damage the optic nerve and lead to peripheral vision loss and seeing halos around lights. This condition can be managed with medications or surgery to lower intraocular pressure and prevent further vision loss.
Choice C rationale
Complaints of severe pain and pressure in the eye are indicative of acute angle-closure glaucoma. This is a medical emergency and requires prompt treatment to reduce intraocular pressure and prevent optic nerve damage. The symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma are sudden and severe and can include headache, nausea, and vomiting, along with the eye pain and pressure.
Choice D rationale
Central vision loss with intact peripheral vision is characteristic of macular degeneration, particularly age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. As the macula deteriorates, central vision becomes blurry or wavy, making it difficult to read, drive, or recognize faces, while peripheral vision remains largely unaffected.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Alcohol consumption, obesity, diabetes, stress, and high cholesterol are all significant risk factors for heart disease. However, smoking is not listed in this choice. Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease as it damages the lining of the arteries, leads to the build-up of fatty deposits (atherosclerosis), and increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Choice B rationale
Smoking, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol are all major risk factors for heart disease. Smoking contributes to the development of atherosclerosis and increases the risk of heart attacks. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, strains the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease. Obesity is linked to multiple risk factors, including high cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension. Diabetes can cause damage to blood vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular complications. High cholesterol contributes to the formation of plaques in the arteries, leading to atherosclerosis.
Choice C rationale
Personality type is not a major risk factor for heart disease. Although certain personality traits, such as Type A behavior (characterized by competitiveness, urgency, and hostility), have been associated with increased stress and a higher risk of cardiovascular events, they are not considered primary risk factors. High cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking are significant risk factors, but this choice does not include hypertension or obesity, which are also crucial risk factors for heart disease.
Choice D rationale
Family history, hypertension, stress, and age are important risk factors for heart disease, but this choice does not include some key factors such as smoking, obesity, or diabetes. Family history of heart disease can indicate a genetic predisposition to cardiovascular conditions. Hypertension and stress contribute to cardiovascular risk, and age is a non-modifiable risk factor as the risk of heart disease increases with age. However, the absence of smoking, obesity, and diabetes makes this choice less comprehensive in assessing heart disease risk factors. .
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is when distant objects appear blurry because light rays focus in front of the retina. A Snellen exam result of 20/50 means the client can see at 20 feet what someone with normal vision sees at 50 feet, indicating reduced distance vision. However, this condition does not correlate with the ability to read the Rosenbaum chart, which is for near vision, thus excluding myopia.
Choice B rationale
Normal vision is not indicated by a Snellen exam result of 20/50, as this signifies a visual impairment where the client sees at 20 feet what a person with normal vision sees at 50 feet. Normal vision would be indicated by 20/20 on the Snellen exam.
Choice C rationale
Presbyopia is the age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus on near objects, typically noticeable in people over 40. Although this condition involves difficulty reading at close range, the client's uncorrected Snellen exam result of 20/50 pertains to distance vision, which differentiates presbyopia from the given scenario.
Choice D rationale
Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is when close objects appear blurry because light rays focus behind the retina. The client's ability to read the Rosenbaum chart without difficulty indicates good near vision, while the Snellen exam result of 20/50 reflects reduced distance vision, thus supporting the diagnosis of hyperopia.
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.