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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While individuals aged 19 to 30 years are generally at a lower risk for malignant melanoma compared to older adults, melanoma can still occur at any age, especially with certain risk factors. However, age alone does not significantly increase the risk of developing malignant melanoma without additional risk factors.
Choice B rationale
Hair color has minimal impact on the risk of developing malignant melanoma. Although individuals with fair skin and light hair have a higher risk of sunburn and subsequent melanoma, having dark hair does not significantly reduce the risk compared to other factors.
Choice C rationale
Female gender does not inherently increase the risk of developing malignant melanoma. Both males and females are at risk, although certain lifestyle factors and behaviors, such as sun exposure, can influence individual risk levels regardless of gender.
Choice D rationale
A history of repeated sunburn significantly increases the risk of developing malignant melanoma. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunburns causes DNA damage in skin cells, leading to mutations that can result in melanoma. Repeated sunburns exacerbate this risk, making it a critical factor in melanoma development.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) involves a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs. Symptoms include swelling, pain, and redness, but not typically cold legs or hair loss, making it unlikely in this scenario.
Choice B rationale
Venous insufficiency occurs when veins struggle to send blood back to the heart, leading to varicose veins, swelling, and skin changes. While it can cause leg discomfort, it does not typically result in cold legs or hair loss.
Choice C rationale
Varicosities are enlarged, twisted veins caused by increased pressure. They can cause pain and swelling but not cold legs or hair loss, making them an unlikely cause of the described symptoms.
Choice D rationale
Arterial insufficiency, caused by poor blood flow due to narrowed arteries, results in symptoms such as cold legs, hair loss, pain, and weakened pulses. The description of cold legs and hair loss fits arterial insufficiency, making it the most likely diagnosis.
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