IGNOU Post B. SC. Nursing entrance-2019
Medical & Surgical Nursing
Easy

An instrument used to measure intraocular pressure?

Appeared in: IGNOU Post B. SC. Nursing entrance-2019

Explanation

  • A tonometer is the specific medical device designed to measure the fluid pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP).
  • This measurement is a fundamental component in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma, a condition where elevated IOP can lead to optic nerve damage and vision loss.
  • As stated in ophthalmology texts, tonometry is an essential part of a diagnostic evaluation to screen for glaucoma.
  • Different types exist, such as applanation tonometers (e.g., Goldmann) which measure the force needed to flatten a specific area of the cornea, and non-contact tonometers that use a puff of air.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

  • Option A: A gonioscope is not used to measure pressure. Its function is to visualize the iridocorneal angle, which is the drainage system of the eye.
  • Option C: An ophthalmoscope is used to inspect the internal structures of the eye, such as the retina, optic disc, and blood vessels. It assesses the health of these structures, not the pressure within the eye.
  • Option D: A bifocal lens is not a diagnostic instrument. It is a type of corrective lens in eyeglasses designed to correct for presbyopia, a common age-related vision problem.

Related Visual

Visual explanation — Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
  • Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Ophthalmic Diagnostic Instruments as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
  • Nurses play a key role in preparing patients for tonometry, which may involve administering anesthetic eye drops and providing post-procedure instructions, such as not rubbing the eyes.
  • Accurate IOP measurement is a fundamental component of glaucoma screening. Early detection through routine screening can prevent irreversible blindness.
  • Documenting the IOP reading, the method used (e.g., applanation, non-contact), and the specific eye tested is a crucial nursing responsibility.
How to Approach the Question
  • First, identify the key phrase in the question: 'measure intraocular pressure'. This is the central task you need to find an instrument for.
  • Analyze the options provided. Consider the function of each instrument based on your medical terminology knowledge.
  • The prefix 'tono-' relates to tension or pressure, and the suffix '-meter' refers to a measuring device. This makes 'Tonometer' a strong candidate for an instrument that measures pressure.
  • Systematically eliminate the other options. An 'ophthalmoscope' is for viewing ('-scope') the eye ('ophthalmo-'). A 'gonioscope' is for viewing ('-scope') the angle ('gonio-'). A 'bifocal lens' is a vision aid, not a measuring tool.
  • Confirm your choice. A tonometer is the standard instrument for measuring IOP, confirming it as the correct answer.
Concept Tested & Keywords
  • Concept Tested: Ophthalmic Diagnostic Instruments
  • Stem keywords: instrument, measure, intraocular pressure
  • Lead-in keywords: BEST, MOST RELEVANT CLUE
  • Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

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Reference Book

E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 2 Part 1 pp. 86-88, 96-98

E6 Physiology Guyton 4SAE Part 3 p. 146-148

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