Glaucoma

Question 1

Glaucoma

Answer 1

-Is the leading cause of blindness
-This happens when we have increase intraocular pressure that (IOP) resulting from an issue of the optic nerve also known as the 2nd cranial nerve.

• 2 eyes for the second cranial nerve. 2nd cranial nerve

Question 2

There are 2 forms of glaucoma we have?

Answer 2

-Open angle & - closed angle

Question 3

Open angle glaucoma

Answer 3

Most common form
-Gradual onset overtime
-Due to the decrease out flow of the eye fluid AKA aqueous humor.

Question 4

Closed angle

Answer 4

Less common
-Has less onset.
Watch out for the closed angle because it can happen really fast. Suddenly or abruptly which can lead to major damage inside the eye.
-we have closure of eye angle between the iris and sclera
resulting in IOP (intra ocular pressure) inside the eye

Question 5

Open angle signs and symptoms

Answer 5

-Mild pain & Gradual loss of peripheral vision (tunnel vision) kind of a halo blurred vision loss.

Question 6

Closed angle glaucoma signs and symptoms

Answer 6

Sudden extreme pain because it happen so fast.(Nclex TIP) This is a priority finding and medical emergency) then peripheral vision loss.

Example “Extreme”, “Severe”, “Sudden” Pain accompanied by headache, blurred vision and nausea indicates priority patient

Medical emergency because it happen so suddenly that can lead to permanent can blindness.

Remember that Loss of life and Loss of limb is a priority on the NCLEX!

Question 7

Identify an image on the Nclex for a glaucoma

Question 8

Diagnostic for glaucoma

Answer 8

In order to measure the IOP we do a
-Tonometry test normal IOP is 10-21 mmHg.) anything over 21 is considered high pressure.

Question 9

Pharmacology for Glaucoma

Answer 9

Beta blockers- Timolol
Mannitol (osmotic diuretic) can be given as well (MOST Tested) used for our closed angle glaucoma our critical patients. Sudden onset medical emergency that can quickly cause blindness.
To decrease aqueous humors production.

-Acetazolamide(Diuretic)

Question 10

mannitol osmotic diuretic

Answer 10

Given for increased ICP and IOP.
Can be Given for meningitis.
Used to decrease ICP for IV administration it cannot be given PO.
One of the side effects is edema which begins 30-60 minutes after administration
Assess for LOC every hour.