The nurse educator asks the student nurse to explain the most common causes of blindness in the United States. Which of the following options will the student nurse select as one of the top causes of blindness?

Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because atrial fibrillation is the risk factor that puts the client at
the highest risk for embolic stroke. Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and rapid heart rate that causes poor blood flow and blood pooling in the heart chambers. This can lead to the formation of blood clots that can travel to the brain and block an artery, causing an embolic stroke.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because hypertension is not the risk factor that puts the client at
the highest risk for embolic stroke. Hypertension is high blood pressure that puts stress on the blood vessels and increases the risk of bleeding or rupture. This can lead to a hemorrhagic stroke, but not an embolic stroke.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because diabetes is not the risk factor that puts the client at
the highest risk for embolic stroke. Diabetes is a condition that causes high blood sugar levels and damages the blood vessels and nerves. This can lead to poor circulation and increased risk of infection and ulcers, but not an embolic stroke.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because alcohol abuse is not the risk factor that puts the client at
the highest risk for embolic stroke. Alcohol abuse is excessive consumption of alcohol that affects liver function and blood clotting factors. This can lead to liver disease and bleeding disorders, but not an embolic stroke.

Choice A reason: This is correct because hearing loss is the most common complaint associated with a problem involving the inner ear. The inner ear consists of the cochlea, which is the organ of hearing, and the vestibular system, which is the organ of balance. The inner ear converts sound waves into nerve impulses that are sent to the brain. Any damage or dysfunction of the inner ear can impair hearing and cause hearing loss.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because tinnitus is not the most common complaint associated with a problem involving the inner ear, but rather a symptom that can occur with various ear problems. Tinnitus is a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears that is not caused by an external source. Tinnitus can be caused by exposure to loud noise, ear infections, earwax buildup, aging, or certain medications, but it is not specific to the inner ear.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because pruritus is not a complaint associated with a problem involving the inner ear, but rather a complaint associated with a problem involving the outer ear. Pruritus is itching of the skin that can be caused by dryness, irritation, infection, or allergy. Pruritus can affect the outer ear, which is the visible part of the ear that collects and directs sound waves into the ear canal, but it has no relation to the inner ear.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because muffled sounds are not a complaint associated with a problem involving the inner ear, but rather a complaint associated with a problem involving the middle ear. Muffled sounds are sounds that are unclear or distorted due to reduced sound transmission or perception. Muffled sounds can be caused by fluid buildup, inflammation, infection, or perforation of the eardrum in the middle ear, which is the air-filled space between the eardrum and the inner ear that contains three tiny bones that amplify sound vibrations.