Chapter 25: The Eyes and Ears

Question 1

An infection of one (or more) of the sebaceous glands of the eyes. Localized infection in a hair follicle at the base of an eyelash.

Answer 1

Stye (hordeolum)

Question 2

An infection of the eyelid margins, accompanied by redness, thickening, and possibly the formation of scales and crusts or shallow marginal ulcers.

Answer 2

Blepharitis
Treatments:
Bacitracin/polymyxin B
Gentamicin 0.3% (qid)

Question 3

The acute or chronic inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by a virus, bacteria, allergy, or irritants like wind, smoke, or snow.

Answer 3

Conjunctivitis
Four Types:
Allergic (redeye)
Bacterial
Viral (pinkeye)
Caused by Chlamydia (neonatal inclusion conjunctivitis or swimming pool conjunctivitis)

Question 4

Caused by hay fever, dust, mite dander, or animal dander. AKA redeye.

Answer 4

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Question 5

Usually includes a thick, sticky mucopurulent discharge that causes the eyelids and eyelashes to be crusted shut upon awakening.

Answer 5

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Question 6

Short duration and is normally self-limiting. 1-3 weeks. AKA pinkeye.

Answer 6

Viral Conjunctivitis

Question 7

Caused by the sexually transmitted disease, chlamydia. Often called neonatal inclusion conjunctivitis or swimming pool conjunctivitis.

Answer 7

Conjunctivitis Caused by Chlamydia
Newborns can acquire the infection from their mothers as they pass through the birth canal.
Babies are treated with erythromycin 12.5mg/kg po or IV qid for 14 days because pneumonia and other complications may result if left untreated.
Mothers and their sexual partner are also treated with one of the following:
azithromycin 1gm po once
doxycycline 100mg po bid for one week
erythromycin 500mg po qid for one week

Question 8

A group of eye diseases characterized by an increase in intraocular pressure. One of the leading causes of permanent blindness, affecting more than 2 million Americans. Usually asymptomatic.

Answer 8

Glaucoma

Question 9

Groups at High Risk for Glaucoma

Answer 9

People of African Ancestry
People of Asian Ancestry
Patients Who Have Family Members With Glaucoma
Patients Who Have Had an Eye Injury
Steroid Users
Persons Over the Age of 60

Question 10

Other Risk Factors for Glaucoma

Answer 10

Nearsightedness
Diabetes
Hypertension (HTN)

Question 11

Types of Glaucoma

Answer 11

Open-Angle Glaucoma (wide-angle glaucoma)
-constitutes about 90% of all cases of glaucoma
Closed-Angle Glaucoma (narrow-angle glaucoma)
-least common and most devastating form
Secondary Glaucoma
-occurs as the result of an eye injury, inflammation, tumor, advanced
cases of cataracts, or diabetes, or it can be induced by use of drugs or
steroids.

Question 12

Within the Eye

Answer 12

Intraocular

Question 13

Showing No Evidence of Disease or Disordered Condition

Answer 13

Asymptomatic

Question 14

A condition in which the lens of the eye becomes opaque and interferes with the transmission of light to the retina.

Answer 14

Cataracts

Question 15

Causes of Cataracts

Answer 15

Congenital- hereditary, or measles infection during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Trauma- injury to the lens.
Age- 85% of people over 80 years old have some clouding of the lens.
Metabolic and Toxic Agents- induced by diabetes, smoking, or taking certain drugs (digoxin, alcohol).

Question 16

In What Condition Must All Ophthalmic Medications Remain?

Answer 16

Sterile Conditions

Question 17

The Deterioration of the Macula, or the Small Central Portion of the Eye

Answer 17

Macular Degeneration

Question 18

Causing Relaxation and Paralysis of the Intraocular Muscles

Answer 18

Cycloplegic

Question 19

Drugs Used to Dilate the Pupils

Answer 19

Mydriatic
People will normally experience blurred vision for 2-4 hours after having pupils dilated.

Question 20

Types of Hearing Loss

Answer 20

Conductive- usually mild, temporary hearing loss.
Sensory- almost always permanent.
Drug-Induced- may be temporary or permanent.
Neural- permanent.
Presbycusis- permanent due to damage to hearing nerves.

Question 21

Drugs That May Cause Hearing Loss

Answer 21

IV Aminoglycosides
Loop Diuretics
Antineoplastic Agents (anticancer drugs)
Quinine-Containing Drugs

In addition, large doses of aspirin can cause ringing in the ears (tinnitus).

Question 22

One of the Most Common Causes of Conductive Hearing Loss. The Most Common Childhood Illness. An Inflammation and Infection of the Middle Ear.

Answer 22

Otitis Media