The nurse provides education to a client with a diagnosis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Which client statement indicates effective learning has occurred?

A. New ear discharge (otorrhea) is a key indicator of possible infection, trauma, or other pathology of the ear. Identifying discharge helps the nurse detect acute conditions such as otitis externa, otitis media with perforation, or foreign body presence. Because it may signify an active disease process requiring prompt intervention, this is the priority assessment in the ear health history.

B. Exposure to loud noise is an important risk factor for hearing loss and tinnitus over time. While relevant for preventive education and long-term hearing conservation, it is not an urgent or acute finding and therefore is lower priority than new discharge.

C. Cotton swab use can contribute to cerumen impaction or canal trauma. This is relevant to ear health promotion but does not indicate an active pathology. It is important but not the priority concern during assessment.

D. Piercings can lead to local infection or keloid formation, but they are generally cosmetic and chronic in nature. They are not indicative of acute disease or urgent health problems and are therefore lower priority than new discharge.

A. This statement reflects cataract knowledge, not glaucoma. Glaucoma primarily causes loss of peripheral vision, and central vision may remain intact until late stages. Clouding of vision is not a typical symptom of glaucoma.

B. Reading glasses do not affect glaucoma progression. Glaucoma management focuses on lowering intraocular pressure through medications, laser therapy, or surgery, not corrective lenses.

C. While good glycemic control is important in diabetic retinopathy, it does not prevent or slow glaucoma progression. This shows a misunderstanding of glaucoma-specific management.

D. This statement correctly reflects understanding of glaucoma’s characteristic vision loss, which begins with peripheral visual field defects. Loss of peripheral vision can impact mobility and safety, making driving potentially hazardous. This demonstrates effective learning about the functional implications of glaucoma.