Week 3 Eye + Ears Flashcards
Describe the visual system.
The visual system includes the eyes, retina, optic nerve, and visual cortex for processing visual information.
Explain eye assessment.
Eye assessment includes visual acuity tests and slit-lamp exams to evaluate eye health.
Define glaucoma and its causes.
Glaucoma damages the optic nerve due to increased intraocular pressure from genetics, age, and medical conditions.
Discuss glaucoma symptoms.
Symptoms include peripheral vision loss, tunnel vision, and sudden eye pain.
Overview glaucoma treatment pharmacology.
Medications include prostaglandin analogs and beta-blockers to lower intraocular pressure.
Impact of visual and hearing impairments on health.
These impairments can lead to communication difficulties and increased fall risk.
Components of a complete blood count (CBC).
A CBC measures red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets.
Components of the visual system.
The visual system includes eye structures, refractive media, and the visual pathway.
List external structures of the visual system.
External structures include eyelids, eyelashes, and the lacrimal system.
Identify internal eye structures.
Internal structures include the iris, lens, and retina.
Role of refractive media in vision.
Refractive media must remain clear for light to reach the retina.
How does the cornea contribute to vision?
The cornea refracts light for clear vision.
What if refractive media are unclear?
Impaired clarity can hinder light from reaching the retina.
Define the visual pathway.
The visual pathway is the route visual information takes from the eye to the brain.
Importance of the retina.
The retina converts light into neural signals for vision.
Consequences of abnormal visual findings.
Abnormal findings can indicate conditions leading to visual impairment.
Significance of visual assessment.
Visual assessment is crucial for diagnosing conditions.
Role of diagnostic tests in visual evaluation.
Diagnostic tests identify abnormalities and assess visual function.
Pharmacology and the visual system.
Pharmacology provides medications for treating eye conditions.
Nursing considerations for visual issues.
Consider assessing visual function and educating patients.
Describe the optic chiasm.
The optic chiasm is where optic nerve fibers partially cross.
Function of optic tracts.
Optic tracts carry visual information to the occipital cortex.
Brain injuries and visual field loss.
Brain injuries can cause specific visual field losses.
Role of the occipital cortex.
The occipital cortex processes visual information.
Visual field defects and nerve fiber abnormalities.
Defects can help locate abnormalities in visual pathways.
Components of subjective data in visual assessment.
Subjective data includes health history and coping with vision loss.
Objective data in visual assessment.
Objective data includes visual acuity and pupil function assessments.
Assessing a patient’s visual status.
Visual status is assessed through data collection.
Define visual acuity.
Visual acuity is the clarity of vision assessed during an exam.
Significance of pupil function assessment.
Pupil function indicates neurological and optical health.
Role of extraocular muscle functions.
Extraocular muscle functions are evaluated for eye movement.
Importance of past health history.
Past health history helps identify vision risk factors.
Socio-economic factors in visual assessments.
Socio-economic factors influence access to eye care.
Treatments in visual assessment.
Treatments may include surgeries or medications.
Initial observation in visual assessment.
Initial observation assesses eyes for abnormalities.
Define visual acuity.
Visual acuity is the clarity of vision measured at a distance.
Define extraocular movements.
Extraocular movements are controlled by extraocular muscles.
Assessing pupil function.
Pupil function is assessed using the PERRLA acronym.
Significance of lens clarity.
Lens clarity is vital for vision; opacities can impair it.
Role of lashes and brows.
Lashes and brows protect eyes from debris.
Importance of drainage in eye health.
Proper drainage maintains eye moisture and prevents dryness.
Define sclera and its function.
The sclera is the white outer layer providing structure.
What is symmetry in eye examination?
Symmetry refers to equal appearance and function of both eyes.
How do eyelids contribute to eye health?
Eyelids protect eyes and keep them moist.
Changes in the visual system with age.
Visual system structures change with age, increasing impairment risk.
Visual impairment and age.
Visual impairment increases with age.
Purpose of a Snellen chart.
A Snellen chart measures distance visual acuity.
Role of tonometry in eye health.
Tonometry measures intraocular pressure for glaucoma screening.
Non-contact tonometry method.
Non-contact tonometry measures eye pressure without contact.
Ophthalmoscopy in eye examinations.
Ophthalmoscopy examines the back of the eye.
Nursing interventions for eye health.
Interventions include assessing vision needs and scheduling exams.
Benefits of sunglasses for eye health.
Sunglasses protect eyes from UV rays.
Reducing exposure to irritants.
Use protective eyewear to minimize contact with irritants.
Dietary considerations for eye health.
A balanced diet is essential for eye health.
Nursing process for eye health promotion.
The nursing process involves planning and evaluating interventions.
Describe glaucoma characteristics.
Glaucoma is characterized by elevated intraocular pressure.
Prevalence of glaucoma in Canada.
Glaucoma affects 400,000 Canadians annually.
Nickname for glaucoma.
Glaucoma is called the ‘silent thief of sight’ due to its progression.
Define primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).
POAG is the most common type of glaucoma.
Clinical manifestations of glaucoma.
Symptoms include elevated IOP and peripheral vision loss.
Development of primary open-angle glaucoma.
POAG develops slowly, often without noticeable symptoms.
Major risk factor for glaucoma.
Advanced age is a significant risk factor.
Inflow and outflow in glaucoma.
In glaucoma, inflow exceeds outflow, raising pressure.
Significance of treating primary open-angle glaucoma.
Early detection is crucial to prevent vision loss.
Common vision loss associated with glaucoma.
Glaucoma often leads to tunnel vision.
Therapy goals for PACG.
The goal is to maintain low intraocular pressure.
Classification of Primary Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma.
PACG is a clinical emergency requiring immediate intervention.
Immediate interventions for PACG.
Interventions include hypertonic solutions and surgery.
Role of IOP measurements in glaucoma diagnosis.
IOP measurements assess eye pressure for optic nerve risk.
Diagnostic studies for glaucoma assessment.
Studies include slit-lamp microscopy and visual field tests.
Function of beta-blocker eye drops.
Beta-blocker drops reduce intraocular pressure.
Purpose of hypertonic solutions in PACG treatment.
Hypertonic solutions lower intraocular pressure.
Significance of laser peripheral iridotomy.
It creates a new drainage pathway for aqueous humor.
Purpose of a CBC with differential.
A CBC with differential provides hematological system information.
Components of a CBC with differential.
Components include red and white blood cells and platelets.
Define hemoglobin.
Hemoglobin carries oxygen in the blood.
What hematocrit measures.
Hematocrit measures the proportion of red blood cells.
How CBC contributes to understanding organ systems.
A CBC reflects the health of various organ systems.
Types of white blood cells in a CBC.
Includes neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes.
Significance of platelets in a CBC.
Platelets are essential for blood clotting.
