What type of clinical finding are cotton wool spots in the eye with an ophthalmoscope?
expected finding
unexpected finding
expected variation
irrelevant
The Correct Answer is B
A) Expected finding: Cotton wool spots are not considered an expected finding during a routine eye exam. These spots are indicative of underlying pathology, and their presence typically suggests an abnormality that warrants further investigation. They are not part of normal eye anatomy or typical health.
B) Unexpected finding: Cotton wool spots are small, white, fluffy lesions in the retina that occur due to microinfarctions of retinal nerve fibers. Their presence is considered an unexpected or abnormal finding during an ophthalmoscopic exam and can be associated with several conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, and other systemic diseases that affect blood flow to the retina. Their appearance is a signal of potential underlying health issues that require attention.
C) Expected variation: Cotton wool spots are not a variation of normal anatomy or function. They are pathological and should not be regarded as a normal variation of retinal appearance during an eye exam.
D) Irrelevant: The term "irrelevant" is not applicable in this context, as the presence of cotton wool spots is highly relevant to the clinical assessment. Their discovery suggests a need for further investigation into the patient's overall health, particularly cardiovascular or systemic conditions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) 2 mm: A pupil size of 2 mm would be considered small and is generally indicative of miosis, which can occur due to certain medications, increased intracranial pressure, or other factors. A size of 2 mm is not typically expected as a normal finding for pupil size in healthy individuals.
B) 6 mm: While 6 mm is within the upper normal range for pupil size, it is on the larger end. Pupils usually range from 3 mm to 6 mm in size under normal lighting conditions. However, pupils dilating to 6 mm can occur in response to low light conditions or sympathetic stimulation.
C) 8 mm: A pupil size of 8 mm would be considered dilated (mydriasis) and is abnormal under normal lighting conditions. Such a large pupil may suggest conditions like drug use, neurological issues, or other medical concerns that need to be assessed.
D) 4 mm: A pupil size of 4 mm is considered a normal and expected finding under standard lighting conditions. It falls within the typical range for adult pupil size and reflects a healthy, functional response to ambient light conditions. This size is within the commonly observed range for normal pupils.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Epistaxis: Epistaxis, or a nosebleed, typically presents with the sudden onset of blood coming from one or both nostrils. Although a nosebleed can cause discomfort and a sense of obstruction, it does not typically present as difficulty breathing through one side of the nose. Epistaxis is more related to trauma, dry air, or nasal irritation rather than a structural issue causing airflow restriction.
B) Perforated septum: A perforated septum refers to a hole or tear in the nasal septum, the cartilage and bone that separates the two nasal passages. It may cause symptoms such as a whistling sound when breathing or increased susceptibility to infections, but difficulty breathing on one side of the nose alone isn't the most common symptom. A perforated septum is often associated with chronic drug use or injury, but it doesn't usually present with unilateral breathing difficulty unless it's very severe.
C) Deviated septum: A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall of bone and cartilage that divides the nasal cavity is displaced to one side. This condition is one of the most common causes of breathing difficulty on one side of the nose. The deviation can obstruct airflow, leading to symptoms like difficulty breathing through one nostril, congestion, or sinus infections. This diagnosis is most likely based on the patient's complaint.
D) Ankyloglossia: Ankyloglossia, also known as tongue-tie, refers to a condition where the frenulum (the membrane under the tongue) is abnormally short, restricting the tongue's movement. While it can cause feeding difficulties in infants or speech issues, it has no connection to nasal airflow or breathing problems. This diagnosis is unrelated to the symptoms described.
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