What is the primary pathophysiology of glaucoma?

Blockage of the tear ducts causing excessive tearing.

Inflammation of the cornea resulting in blurry vision.

Increased intraocular pressure (IOP) leading to optic nerve damage.

Degeneration of the lens leading to cataracts.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A) Blockage of the tear ducts causing excessive tearing:

Blockage of tear ducts (dacryostenosis) results in excessive tearing (epiphora) due to inadequate drainage of tears into the nasal cavity. It does not directly contribute to glaucoma, which primarily involves increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and optic nerve damage.

B) Inflammation of the cornea resulting in blurry vision:

Corneal inflammation (keratitis) can cause blurry vision, pain, and sensitivity to light, but it is not the primary pathophysiology of glaucoma. Glaucoma primarily involves damage to the optic nerve due to elevated IOP.

C) Increased intraocular pressure (IOP) leading to optic nerve damage:

Glaucoma is characterized by elevated IOP, which puts pressure on the optic nerve and can lead to progressive damage and vision loss if untreated. This is the primary pathophysiological process in most types of glaucoma.

D) Degeneration of the lens leading to cataracts:

Cataracts involve the clouding of the lens of the eye, leading to visual impairment. While cataracts are a common condition in older adults, they are not directly related to the pathophysiology of glaucoma, which primarily involves elevated IOP and optic nerve damage.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Exophthalmos:

Exophthalmos, or protruding eyeballs, is typically associated with hyperthyroidism (Graves' disease) rather than hypothyroidism. It results from the accumulation of fluid and swelling behind the eyeballs.

(b) Palpitations:

Palpitations, or rapid heartbeat, are more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism due to the increased metabolic rate and sympathetic nervous system stimulation. In hypothyroidism, bradycardia (slow heart rate) is more likely.

Diaphoresis, or excessive sweating, is not a typical finding in hypothyroidism. It is more commonly associated with conditions that cause autonomic dysfunction or hypermetabolic states.

(d) Weight gain:

Weight gain is a hallmark symptom of hypothyroidism. It occurs due to a slowing down of the metabolic rate, leading to reduced calorie expenditure and potential fluid retention.

A. "Your metabolism is slowing down." B. "You should be exercising for longer periods of time." C. "You could be making healthier food choices." D. "You are retaining fluid."

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

(a) "Your metabolism is slowing down.":

Hypothyroidism leads to a decrease in the production of thyroid hormones, which are critical in regulating metabolism. With lower levels of these hormones, the body's metabolic rate decreases, resulting in reduced calorie burning and subsequent weight gain. This explanation directly addresses the underlying cause of weight gain in hypothyroidism.

(b) "You should be exercising for longer periods of time.":

While exercise is beneficial for overall health and can help manage weight, it does not directly address the reason for weight gain in hypothyroidism. The primary issue is the slowed metabolism due to thyroid hormone deficiency, not a lack of exercise.

Although diet plays a role in weight management, this response does not explain the root cause of weight gain in hypothyroidism. The condition itself slows metabolism, leading to weight gain even if dietary habits remain unchanged.

(d) "You are retaining fluid.":

Fluid retention can occur in hypothyroidism but is not the primary reason for weight gain in this condition. The main cause is a decreased metabolic rate, which leads to the accumulation of body fat. Fluid retention might contribute to some weight gain, but it is not the best explanation in this context.

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What is the primary pathophysiology of glaucoma?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a client who has hypothyroidism. The nurse should expect which of the following findings?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

An overweight African-American female client with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism asks the nurse why she has begun to gain body weight. Which is the best explanation the Medical Surgical nurse can provide?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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