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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
a) The patient is unable to see in half of the visual field (same visual field) in each eye:
Homonymous hemianopsia is a condition where there is a loss of vision in the same side of the visual field in both eyes. This occurs due to damage to the visual pathways after the optic chiasm, often from a stroke or brain injury, resulting in the loss of either the right or left visual field in both eyes.
b) The patient can see from one eye but not through the other one:
This description fits a condition called monocular blindness, which is typically caused by damage to the optic nerve before it reaches the optic chiasm. Homonymous hemianopsia involves both eyes and specific visual fields, not complete loss of vision in one eye.
c) The patient is unable to see in half of the visual field (opposite visual field) in each eye:
This option describes bitemporal hemianopsia, which results in loss of vision in the outer (temporal) fields of both eyes and is often due to damage at the optic chiasm. Homonymous hemianopsia involves the same side of the visual field in both eyes, not the opposite visual fields.
d) No visual impairment:
Homonymous hemianopsia is characterized by significant visual impairment, specifically the loss of half the visual field in both eyes on the same side. Therefore, it is incorrect to say there is no visual impairment with this condition.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
(a) Soles of the feet:
The soles of the feet are not considered the most reliable indicator of central cyanosis because peripheral areas can be affected by various factors, including temperature and circulation. Changes in color here might not accurately reflect central oxygenation status.
(b) Oral mucosa:
The oral mucosa is the most reliable indicator of central cyanosis because it reflects the oxygenation status of the central circulatory system. Cyanosis in this area indicates a significant drop in arterial oxygen saturation and is a more direct indicator of hypoxemia compared to peripheral sites.
(c) Ear lobes:
Ear lobes, like the soles of the feet, can be influenced by peripheral circulation and environmental factors. While cyanosis can be observed here, it is not as reliable as central sites like the oral mucosa for assessing systemic oxygenation.
(d) Conjunctivae:
The conjunctivae can show signs of cyanosis, but the oral mucosa is still a more sensitive and reliable indicator for central cyanosis. The oral mucosa provides a clear and consistent site to assess oxygenation in emergency situations.
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