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 incorrect because applying the medication when you are experiencing eye pain can be ineffective or harmful for treating open-angle glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is a chronic condition that causes increased pressure inside the eye and damage to the optic nerve, which can lead to vision loss. Eye pain is not a common symptom of open-angle glaucoma, but rather an indication of acute angle closure glaucoma, which is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. The nurse should instruct the client to apply the medication as prescribed, regardless of pain level, and seek medical attention if they experience severe eye pain, headache, nausea, or blurred vision.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because using the medication only until the intraocular pressure returns to normal can cause recurrence or worsening of open-angle glaucoma. Intraocular pressure is the pressure inside
the eye that can affect eye health and vision. Normal intraocular pressure ranges from 10 to 21 mmHg, but it can vary depending on age, time of day, or other factors. The nurse should instruct the client to monitor their intraocular pressure regularly and report any changes to their provider, but not to stop using
the medication without consulting their provider first.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because using the medication for approximately 10 days, then gradually tapering off can cause rebound or adverse effects of open-angle glaucoma. The medication for open-angle glaucoma can be either beta-blockers, such as timolol, or cholinergic agents, such as pilocarpine, which work by reducing fluid production or increasing fluid drainage in the eye. The nurse should instruct the client to follow their provider's instructions on how long and how much to use the medication and not to change or discontinue it abruptly without their provider's approval.
Choice D reason: This is correct because applying the medication on a regular schedule for the rest of your life can help control and prevent the progression of open-angle glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is a lifelong condition that requires consistent and continuous treatment to maintain normal intraocular pressure and prevent vision loss. The nurse should instruct the client to apply the medication at the same time every day and not to miss or skip any doses. The nurse should also teach the client how to store, handle, and administer the medication properly and safely.

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because acute hemorrhagic stroke is not consistent with these observations. Acute hemorrhagic stroke is a sudden bleeding in the brain that can cause severe neurological deficits, such as paralysis, aphasia, or coma. It does not cause tremors, slowness, or mask-like facial expressions.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because Alzheimer's disease is not consistent with these observations. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive degeneration of the brain that causes cognitive impairment, memory loss, and behavioral changes. It does not cause tremors, slowness, or mask-like facial expressions.

Choice C reason: This is the correct answer because Parkinson's disease is consistent with these observations. Parkinson's disease is a chronic disorder of the brain that affects movement and coordination. It causes tremors, slowness, rigidity, and postural instability, as well as mask-like facial expressions due to reduced facial muscle activity.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because traumatic brain injury is not consistent with these observations. Traumatic brain injury is damage to the brain caused by external force, such as a blow, fall, or penetration. It can cause various neurological symptoms depending on the location and severity of the injury, but it does not typically cause tremors, slowness, or mask-like facial expressions.