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 correct because macular degeneration is a condition that affects the macula, which is the central part of the retina that is responsible for sharp and detailed vision. Macular degeneration can cause blurred or distorted central vision, difficulty reading or recognizing faces, or dark spots in the visual field.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because glaucoma is a condition that affects the optic nerve, which is the nerve that connects the eye to the brain and carries visual signals. Glaucoma can cause increased pressure inside the eye, damage to the optic nerve, and loss of peripheral vision.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because diabetic retinopathy is a condition that affects the blood vessels in the retina, which is the layer of tissue at the back of the eye that converts light into nerve impulses. Diabetic retinopathy can cause bleeding, swelling, or leakage of fluid in the retina, and loss of vision in any part of the visual field.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because cataract is a condition that affects the lens, which is the transparent structure behind the pupil that focuses light onto the retina. Cataract can cause clouding or opacity of the lens, and reduced vision in all parts of the visual field.

Choice A Reason: Providing written materials and visual aids is not necessary for a client who has hearing at 15 dB, which is considered normal hearing. Normal hearing ranges from 0 to 20 dB, meaning that the person can hear sounds that are as faint as 20 dB or less.

Choice B Reason: Using American Sign Language is not appropriate for a client who has hearing at 15 dB, which is considered normal hearing. American Sign Language is a form of communication that uses hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to convey meaning. It is mainly used by people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Choice C Reason: Shouting at the client from 6 inches away is not advisable for a client who has hearing at 15 dB, which is considered normal hearing. Shouting can be perceived as rude or aggressive, and can damage the hearing of both the speaker and the listener.

Choice D Reason: Speaking to the client in an everyday conversational tone is the best action for a client who has hearing at 15 dB, which is considered normal hearing. Conversational speech ranges from 40 to 60 dB, meaning that the person can hear sounds that are as loud as 60 dB or less.