In which of the following condition intraocular pressure increases?

UPPSC 2017

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: UPPSC 2017

Explanation

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions characterized by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP).
The increased pressure is due to an imbalance between the production and drainage of aqueous humor, the fluid inside the eye.
If the aqueous humor cannot drain properly through the trabecular meshwork, pressure builds up within the eye.
This sustained high pressure damages the optic nerve, which transmits visual information to the brain, leading to progressive and irreversible vision loss.

Option A: Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the outermost layer of the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. It causes redness and irritation but does not affect the internal pressure of the eye.
Option C: A cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens, which leads to a decrease in vision. It does not cause an increase in intraocular pressure. In fact, advanced cataracts can sometimes be associated with secondary glaucoma, but the cataract itself is not the primary cause of high IOP.
Option D: Retinitis is inflammation of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It is typically caused by infections or autoimmune diseases and affects vision, but it is not defined by increased intraocular pressure.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Understanding of Ocular Pathologies and Intraocular Pressure as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a crucial role in glaucoma management, including administering prescribed eye drops (which lower IOP), educating patients on the importance of lifelong treatment adherence to prevent blindness, and teaching the proper technique for instilling eye drops to maximize efficacy and minimize systemic side effects (e.g., punctal occlusion).
Screening for glaucoma using tonometry to measure IOP is a key preventive health measure, especially for high-risk populations (older adults, those with a family history, African Americans, and diabetics).
What if? If a patient presents with sudden, severe eye pain, headache, nausea, and seeing halos around lights, the nurse should suspect acute angle-closure glaucoma, not the more common open-angle type. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate referral to an ophthalmologist to prevent rapid, permanent vision loss.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key concept in the question stem: 'intraocular pressure increases'. This is the central fact you need to match with the options.
Next, systematically review each option, recalling the basic definition of each eye condition.
Evaluate Option A (Conjunctivitis): Recall this is an external inflammation (pink eye) and doesn't affect internal pressure.
Evaluate Option B (Glaucoma): Recall that the defining characteristic of glaucoma is increased intraocular pressure leading to optic nerve damage.
Evaluate Option C (Cataract): Recall this is a clouding of the lens, affecting clarity of vision, not pressure.
Evaluate Option D (Retinitis): Recall this is inflammation of the retina, affecting the light-sensing cells, not pressure.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 2 Part 1 pp. 93-95, 112-114

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 266-268