Hearing and Vision Disorders Flashcards
What are the primary functions of the ear?
Hearing and balance
The ear functions in hearing by converting mechanical energy to electrical impulses and maintains balance through the vestibular system.
What is the function of the cochlea?
Stimulating hair cells to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy
This process is essential for the perception of sound.
What methods are used to assess hearing and balance disorders?
- Inspection of external ear
- Otoscopic examination
- Weber test
- Rinne test
- Whisper test
- Audiometry
- Tympanogram
- Auditory brainstem response
- Electro/videonystagmography
- Platform posturography
- Sinusoidal harmonic acceleration
These assessments help determine the type and extent of hearing and balance issues.
What are common manifestations of hearing and balance disorders?
- Tinnitus
- Increased inability to hear in groups
- Turning up the volume on the TV
- Deterioration of speech
- Fatigue and irritability
- Social isolation
These symptoms can indicate various levels of hearing impairment.
What is the difference between Deaf culture and deafness?
- Deaf culture: Individuals who identify with the Deaf community and prefer ASL
- deafness: A medical condition where individuals may prefer to speak or lip-read and want to associate with the hearing world.
This distinction highlights the cultural identity versus the medical aspect of hearing loss.
What are the types of hearing loss?
- Conductive
- Sensorineural
- Mixed
- Functional (psychogenic)
Each type has different causes and implications for treatment.
What are the risk factors for hearing loss?
- Exposure to excessive noise levels
- Congenital malformations
- Family history
- Low birth weight
- Perforation of tympanic membrane
- Recurrent ear infections
- Ototoxic medications
Understanding these factors can help in prevention and early intervention.
What does presbycusis refer to?
Progressive hearing loss due to aging
It often results in difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds.
What nursing strategies can be implemented for patients with hearing loss?
- Apply hearing aids
- Provide emotional support
- Environmental modifications
- Use simple phrases
- Educate about accessible emergency services
These strategies assist in improving communication and quality of life.
What is the purpose of tympanostomy tubes?
To allow fluid to drain from the middle ear and equalize pressure
They are often used in cases of recurrent acute otitis media.
What are the clinical manifestations of acute otitis media?
- Otalgia (ear pain)
- Fever
- Hearing loss
- Purulent exudate
These symptoms indicate an infection in the middle ear, commonly seen in children.
What is Menière’s disease characterized by?
- Episodic vertigo
- Tinnitus
- Fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss
- Feeling of fullness/pressure in the ear
- Nausea and vomiting
This chronic disorder involves an abnormal fluid balance in the inner ear.
What are common treatments for Menière’s disease?
- Low-sodium diet
- Antihistamines
- Tranquilizers
- Anti-emetics
- Diuretics
- Surgical management
These treatments aim to manage symptoms and prevent attacks of vertigo.
What is the nursing management for a patient undergoing mastoid surgery?
- Reduction of anxiety
- Pain relief
- Preventing injury
- Improving communication
- Preventing infection
These interventions are crucial for recovery and patient comfort.
What is the main cause of external otitis (otitis externa)?
Bacterial or fungal infection of the external auditory canal
Commonly known as ‘Swimmer’s ear’, it can also be caused by trauma or other factors.
What are the common causes of foreign body obstruction in the ear?
- Vegetables
- Insects
Objects that may swell should not be irrigated, and removal may require surgical intervention.
What are the clinical features of labyrinthitis?
Inflammation of the inner ear caused by bacteria or viruses
This condition can lead to symptoms such as vertigo and hearing loss.
What are the major internal and external structures of the eye?
Pupil, Iris, Conjunctiva, Retina, Sclera, Optic Nerve, Macular area
Structures are essential for understanding eye anatomy and function.
What assessment findings are used in the evaluation of ocular disorders?
Visual acuity, patient ocular history, external examination, and ocular motor evaluation
These findings inform the diagnosis and management of eye conditions.
What are the key components of managing patients with low vision and blindness?
Assessment strategies, use of low-vision aids, referrals to social services, and education on coping strategies
Management aims to enhance quality of life and independence.
List common pharmacologic actions of ophthalmic medications.
- Topical anesthetics
- Mydriatics
- Cycloplegics
- Anti-infectives
- Corticosteroids
Understanding these actions is crucial for safe medication administration.
What is glaucoma?
Damage to the optic nerve related to increased intraocular pressure (IOP)
It is often termed the ‘silent thief of sight’ due to its asymptomatic nature.
What are common clinical features of glaucoma?
- Peripheral vision loss
- Blurring
- Halos
- Difficulty focusing
- Headaches
Early detection is critical to prevent irreversible damage.
What are the types of glaucoma?
- Wide Angle / Open-angle
- Narrow Angle / Angle-closure
- Congenital
- Primary or Secondary
Each type has different characteristics and management approaches.
What is a cataract?
An opacity or cloudiness of the lens
Cataracts are a leading cause of visual impairment, especially in older adults.
List the clinical manifestations of cataracts.
- Painless blurry vision
- Sensitivity to glare
- Reduced visual acuity
- Myopic shift
- Color shifts
These symptoms can significantly affect daily activities.
What is the primary goal of cataract surgery?
To improve visual acuity that negatively affects activities of daily living (ADLs)
Surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis.
What is retinal detachment?
Separation of the retinal pigment epithelium from the neurosensory layer
This condition is considered an ocular emergency requiring immediate intervention.
What are the types of macular degeneration?
- Dry Macular Degeneration
- Wet Macular Degeneration
Dry is more common and progresses slowly, while wet is rapid and severe.
What is enucleation?
A surgical procedure that removes the entire eye including the optic nerve
This procedure is indicated for conditions like intraocular malignancy or severe trauma.
What is color blindness?
Altered ability to perceive color due to genetic mutation or retinal injury
It is more common in males due to X-linked inheritance.
What are common causes of conjunctivitis?
- Viruses
- Bacteria
- Allergies
- Chemical irritation
Treatment often includes antimicrobial eye drops and corticosteroids.
What are strategies for interacting with patients with low vision?
- Identify yourself upon approach
- Face the person and speak directly
- Offer assistance while allowing them to hold your arm
- Ensure a clear environment
These strategies promote safety and independence.
Fill in the blank: The ability of the eye to absorb medication is _______.
limited
This necessitates careful administration of ocular medications.
What is the recommended time interval between administering different eye drops?
3-5 minutes
This allows for proper absorption of the medication.
