Showing posts with label Eye diseases. Show all posts

Cleaning and sterilizing eyes: tips for keeping eyes healthy

Cleaning and sterilizing eyes:

Cleaning and sterilizing eyes is not necessary under normal circumstances. The eyes have their own natural defenses against infection, such as tears and eyelids. However, there are some situations in which cleaning and sterilizing the eyes may be necessary, such as:

Before or after eye surgery
If a foreign object gets into the eye
If the eye is injured or infected
If the eye is producing excessive discharge
If the person is wearing contact lenses

To clean the eyes:

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Use a sterile eye cup or saline solution to rinse the eyes.
Gently wipe away any discharge from the eyes using a sterile gauze pad or cotton swab.

To sterilize the eyes:

Use a sterile eye wash solution containing a disinfectant, such as povidone-iodine or benzalkonium chloride.
Follow the instructions on the eye wash solution label.

It is important to note that cleaning and sterilizing the eyes should only be done by a qualified healthcare professional, such as a doctor or nurse.

tips for keeping eyes healthy:

Here are some additional tips for keeping your eyes healthy:
Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your eyes.
Avoid sharing eye makeup or other personal items that could spread infection.
Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from the sun's harmful UV rays.
Get regular eye exams from an eye doctor, especially if you have any health conditions that could affect your eyes.

If you have any concerns about cleaning or sterilizing your eyes, please talk to your doctor or eye doctor.

Tonometry is performed on the client with a suspected diagnosis of glaucoma.

The nurse analyzes the test results as documented in the client's chart and understands that normal intraocular pressure is:

a) 2 to 7 mm Hg
b) 10 to 21 mm Hg***
c) 22 to 30 mm Hg
d) 31 to 35 mm Hg.

The correct answer is b) 10 to 21 mm Hg.

Normal intraocular pressure (IOP) is the fluid pressure inside the eye. IOP is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Normal IOP is between 10 and 21 mmHg.

Tonometry is a test that measures IOP. The test is usually performed by an ophthalmologist, an eye doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases.

Tonometry is an important part of the eye exam for people at risk of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve, the nerve that carries signals from the eye to the brain. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to vision loss and blindness.

There are two main types of tonometry:

- Applanation tonometry:

This is the most common type of tonometry. It is performed using a device called a tonometer. The tonometer is placed on the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. The tonometer measures the pressure of the cornea, which is an indirect measure of IOP.

- Non-contact tonometry:

This type of tonometry does not require contact with the cornea. It is performed using a device called an air-puff tonometer. The air-puff tonometer emits a puff of air at the eye. The device measures the pressure of the air rebounding off the cornea, which is an indirect measure of IOP.

Tonometry is a painless test that takes only a few minutes to perform. The results of the test are usually available immediately.

If the results of the tonometry test show that IOP is elevated, the ophthalmologist will order further tests to confirm the diagnosis of glaucoma and determine the severity of the disease. Treatment for glaucoma typically includes medication, laser therapy, or surgery.

A nurse is providing home care instructions to a client who has a hordeolum (stye) of the right eye.

Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of the instructions?

a) I need to apply cool compresses to the eye for 15 minutes four times daily.
b) I should press on the eye when I apply the warm compresses.
c) When the eyelid turns white, I should try to squeeze the stye.
d) I should apply antibiotic ointment as prescribed.***

The correct answer is: d) I should apply antibiotic ointment as prescribed.

Here's why:

Hordeolum (stye) is an inflammation of an oil gland in the eyelid. It can be caused by a bacterial infection and is often accompanied by redness, pain, and swelling.
Warm compresses can be helpful in relieving pain and swelling, but applying pressure to the eye should be avoided as it can worsen the condition.
Squeezing the stye is not recommended, as it can lead to the spread of the infection and further complications.
Antibiotic ointment is the most effective treatment for a stye caused by bacterial infection. It helps to reduce inflammation and fight off the infection.

Therefore, the statement about applying antibiotic ointment as prescribed indicates that the client understands the correct way to treat their stye.

Here's why the other options are incorrect:

a) I need to apply cool compresses to the eye for 15 minutes four times daily:

While cool compresses can be helpful initially to reduce pain and swelling, warm compresses are generally recommended for a stye.

b) I should press on the eye when I apply the warm compresses:

This can worsen the condition and should be avoided.

c) When the eyelid turns white, I should try to squeeze the stye:

This is not recommended and could lead to complications.

A client returns to the ambulatory care unit 1 day after cataract removal surgery for follow-up care.

The nurse checks the client's cornea with a flashlight, expecting it to be:

a) Clear***
b) Cloudy.
c) Spotted.
d) Sanguineous.

The correct answer is a) Clear.

Following successful cataract surgery, the cornea is expected to be clear and free of any significant cloudiness, redness, or discharge. This indicates that the surgery was successful and the cornea is healing properly.

Here's why the other options are incorrect:

b) Cloudy:

A cloudy cornea can be a sign of several eye conditions, including corneal edema (swelling), corneal abrasions, or corneal infection. It is not expected after successful cataract surgery.

c) Spotted:

Spots or other irregularities on the cornea can be caused by various factors, including corneal dystrophies, corneal ulcers, or complications from surgery. These are not expected findings after routine cataract surgery.

d) Sanguineous:

The presence of blood in the cornea (sanguineous) is not a normal finding after cataract surgery and could indicate complications like bleeding or injury to the eye tissues.

Therefore, the nurse should expect a clear cornea in a client who has just undergone successful cataract removal surgery.

A client is experiencing visual difficulties and has been told that a previous vision test showed that the light rays entering the eye are falling in front of the retina.

The nurse understands that this client is experiencing which of the following visual disturbances?

a) Myopia***
b) Hyperopia.
c) Astigmatism.
d) Exophthalmos.

The correct answer is a) Myopia.

Here's why:

- Myopia:

also known as nearsightedness, is a condition in which light rays entering the eye focus in front of the retina, causing distant objects to appear blurry. This occurs because the eyeball is elongated or the cornea is too curved.

- Hyperopia:

also known as farsightedness, is the opposite of myopia. In hyperopia, light rays focus behind the retina, making near objects appear blurry. This occurs because the eyeball is too short or the cornea is not curved enough.

- Astigmatism:

is a condition in which the cornea or lens is irregularly shaped, causing blurred vision at all distances.

Exophthalmos is a condition characterized by bulging eyes, which can be caused by various factors but does not directly relate to the focusing of light rays on the retina.

A client is experiencing double vision, or diplopia.

The nurse plans care knowing that this client is experiencing a loss of which of the following normal functions of the eye?

a) Optic nerve function
b) Binocular vision***
c) Ocular muscle control
d) Depth perception.

The correct answer is b) Binocular vision.

Here's why:

Binocular vision is the ability of the two eyes to work together as a team to send a single, three-dimensional image to the brain. This allows for depth perception and coordination of eye movements.
Diplopia (double vision) occurs when the two eyes are not aligned properly and send two separate images to the brain. This can lead to difficulty focusing, depth perception problems, and even nausea and dizziness.
While optic nerve function, ocular muscle control, and depth perception are all important for vision, they are not directly related to the loss of binocular vision that causes diplopia.

Here's a breakdown of the other options:

a) Optic nerve function:

The optic nerve transmits visual information from the eyes to the brain. Damage to the optic nerve can lead to vision loss, but it does not directly cause diplopia.

c) Ocular muscle control:

The eye muscles control the movement of the eyes. Problems with ocular muscle control can lead to strabismus (crossed eyes) or nystagmus (involuntary eye movements), which can contribute to diplopia. However, diplopia can also occur without any underlying problems with ocular muscle control.

d) Depth perception:

Depth perception is the ability to see objects in three dimensions. While diplopia can affect depth perception, it is not the only factor that contributes to it.

Therefore, since diplopia directly results from the loss of binocular vision, it is the most accurate answer for the nurse to consider when planning care for this client.

The nurse is caring for a client following enucleation.

The nurse notes the presence of bright red drainage on the dressing. Which nursing action is appropriate?

a) Notify the physician.***
b) Document the finding.
c) Continue to monitor the drainage.
d) Mark the drainage on the dressing and monitor for any increase in bleeding.

Yes, the nurse should notify the physician if they note the presence of bright red drainage on the dressing of a client following enucleation. Bright red drainage is a sign of active bleeding and may indicate a complication, such as a hemorrhage or infection.

Enucleation is a surgical procedure to remove the eyeball. It is typically performed to treat eye tumors, eye infections, or severe eye injuries.

Postoperative complications:

Postoperative complications of enucleation are rare but can occur. Some of the most common post-operative complications include:

Hemorrhage.
Infection.
Pain.
Swelling.
Discharge from the eye socket.
Double vision.
Loss of vision in the remaining eye.

Bright red drainage from the eye socket is a sign of active bleeding and may indicate a hemorrhage. A hemorrhage can be caused by a variety of factors, such as damage to blood vessels during surgery, infection, or increased blood pressure.

If the nurse notes the presence of bright red drainage on the dressing of a client following enucleation, they should notify the physician immediately. The physician will assess the client's condition and determine the best course of treatment.

Treatment for bright red drainage:

Treatment for bright red drainage following enucleation may include:

Applying pressure to the eye socket.
Administering intravenous fluids.
Transfusing blood.
Performing surgery to stop the bleeding.

The nurse should also monitor the client's vital signs and signs of infection. If the client develops any signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or redness and swelling around the eye socket, the nurse should notify the physician immediately.

By notifying the physician promptly and monitoring the client closely, the nurse can help to ensure that the client receives the best possible care and has a successful recovery.

The client sustains a contusion of the eyeball following a traumatic injury with a blunt object.

Which intervention is initiated immediately?

a) Notify the physician.
b) Apply ice to the affected eye.***
c) Irrigate the eye with cool water.
d) Accompany the client to the emergency department.

Yes, you should apply ice to the affected eye if the client sustains a contusion of the eyeball following a traumatic injury with a blunt object.

What is a contusion of the eyeball?

A contusion of the eyeball, also known as a black eye, is a bruise to the eye. It is caused by trauma to the eye socket, which can damage the blood vessels and cause bleeding.

What are the symptoms of a contusion of the eyeball?

The symptoms of a contusion of the eyeball can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Common symptoms include:

Pain.
Swelling.
Redness.
Bruising.
Blurry vision.
Sensitivity to light.

How to apply ice to a contusion of the eyeball:

To apply ice to a contusion of the eyeball, follow these steps:

Wrap an ice pack in a clean cloth.
Apply the ice pack to the affected eye for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
Be careful not to put too much pressure on the eye.

When to seek medical attention?

If the client has any of the following symptoms, they should seek medical attention immediately:

Severe pain.
Blurred vision.
Double vision.
Loss of vision.
Bleeding in the eye.
Discharge from the eye.
Nausea and vomiting.
Headache.

If you are unsure whether or not the client should seek medical attention, it is always best to err on the side of caution and consult with a healthcare professional.

A home care nurse is visiting a client with glaucoma who is receiving acetazolamide (Diamox) daily.

Which of the following would indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing an adverse reaction related to the medication?

a) Diarrhea***
b) Lacrimation
c) Low back pain and dysuria
d) Irritability.

The client arrives in the emergency department with a penetrating eye injury from wood chips that occurred while cutting wood.

The nurse assesses the eye and notes a piece of wood protruding from the eye. What is the initial nursing action?

a) Apply an eye patch.
b) Perform visual acuity tests.***
c) Irrigate the eye with sterile saline.
d) Remove the piece of wood using a sterile eye clamp.

A client is scheduled to begin therapy with acetazolamide (Diamox) for the management of glaucoma.. Sulfa drugs

A client is scheduled to begin therapy with acetazolamide (Diamox) for the management of glaucoma.
Before initiating therapy, the nurse asks the client about a history of allergy or sensitivity to:

a) Corticosteroids

b) Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents

c) Penicillin

d) Sulfa drugs***

A client with retinal detachment is admitted to the nursing unit in preparation for a scleral buckling procedure.. Placing an eye patch over the client's affected eye

A client with retinal detachment is admitted to the nursing unit in preparation for a scleral buckling procedure.

Which of the following would a nurse anticipate to be prescribed?

a- Bathroom privileges only

b- Elevating the head of the bed to 45 degrees

c- Placing an eye patch over the client's affected eye***

d- Wearing dark glasses to read or watch television

A nurse is listening to a physician explain the results of an eye examination to a client. The physician states that the client has glaucoma due to a congenitally narrow anterior chamber angle, which suddenly has become blocked by the base of the iris

A nurse is listening to a physician explain the results of an eye examination to a client.

The physician states that the client has glaucoma due to a congenitally narrow anterior chamber angle, which suddenly has become blocked by the base of the iris.
The nurse understands that the physician is describing which of the following types of glaucoma?

a- Primary open-angle glaucoma

b- Angle-closure glaucoma***

c- Low-tension glaucoma

d- Secondary glaucoma.

The nurse is developing a teaching plan for the client with glaucoma.. Eye medications will need to be administered for the client entire life

The nurse is developing a teaching plan for the client with glaucoma.
Which of the following instructions would the nurse include in the plan of care?

a- Avoid overuse of the eyes.

b- Decrease the amount of salt in the diet.

c- Eye medications will need to be administered for the client entire life.***

d- Decrease fluid intake to control the intraocular pressure.

A nursing student is assigned to care for a client with glaucoma for whom pilocarpine hydrochloride (IsoptoCarpine) eye drops have been prescribed.. The medication increases the blood flow to the retina

A nursing student is assigned to care for a client with glaucoma for whom pilocarpine hydrochloride (IsoptoCarpine) eye drops have been prescribed.

The nursing instructor asks the student to describe the action of the eye medication.
Which statement by the student indicates an understanding of the purpose of this medication?

a- The medication blocks responses that are sent to the brain that directs the actions of the muscles in the eye.

b- The medication dilates the eye to prevent increased pressure from occurring.

c- The medication prevents blurred vision by relaxing the muscles of the eyes.

d- The medication increases the blood flow to the retina and also will lower the pressure in the eye.***

Nystagmus.. A nurse conducting an eye examination notes that the client exhibits rapid, involuntary oscillating movements of the eyeball when looking at the nurse

A nurse conducting an eye examination notes that the client exhibits rapid, involuntary oscillating movements of the eyeball when looking at the nurse.
The nurse documents this finding as:

a- Unequal pupils

b- Consensual response

c- Photophobia

d- Nystagmus***

The client arrives in the emergency room after sustaining a chemical eye injury from a splash of battery acid.. Irrigate the eye with sterile normal saline

The client arrives in the emergency room after sustaining a chemical eye injury from a splash of battery acid.
The initial nursing action is which of the following?

a) Begin visual acuity testing.

b) Cover the eye with a pressure patch.

c) Swab the eye with antibiotic ointment.

d) Irrigate the eye with sterile normal saline.***

A client is being discharged from the ambulatory care unit after undergoing cataract removal.. I will wear my eye shield at night and my glasses during the day

A client is being discharged from the ambulatory care unit after undergoing cataract removal. The nurse provides instructions to the client regarding home care. Which of the following, if stated by the client, indicates an understanding of the instructions?
a) "I will take aspirin if I have any discomfort."
b) "I will sleep on the side that I was operated on."
c) "I will not lift anything if it weighs more than 10 pounds."
d) "I will wear my eye shield at night and my glasses during the day."***

A client with glaucoma is receiving acetazolamide (Diamox).. To maintain an adequate blood pressure for cerebral perfusion

A client with glaucoma is receiving acetazolamide (Diamox). The nurse understands that the purpose of this medication for this client is which of the following?
a) To prevent hypertension
b) To prevent hyperthermia
c) To decrease intraocular pressure
d) To maintain an adequate blood pressure for cerebral perfusion***

A 73-year-old client with a history of hypertension was seen in the clinic for treatment of glaucoma. The nurse notes that the client has a history of peptic ulcer disease.. Flurbiprofen - Ocufen

A 73-year-old client with a history of hypertension was seen in the clinic for treatment of glaucoma. The nurse notes that the client has a history of peptic ulcer disease. The nurse would be most concerned if which medication was noted in the physician's prescriptions?
a) Pilocarpine hydrochloride (Pilocar)
b) Phenylephrine hydrochloride (Neo-Synephrine)
c) Flurbiprofen (Ocufen)***
d) Timolol maleate (Timoptic).