Intraocular pressure is measured by which instrument?

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur NO- 2019 (shift 3rd)

Explanation

A tonometer is the specific medical instrument designed to measure the fluid pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP).
The procedure, called tonometry, is a critical component of a comprehensive eye exam and is the primary method for diagnosing and monitoring glaucoma.
Normal IOP typically ranges from 10 to 21 mmHg; elevated levels can indicate glaucoma, which may lead to optic nerve damage if untreated.

Option B: An ear speculum is used for otoscopy to visualize the external ear canal and the tympanic membrane (eardrum).
Option C: Intra capsular forceps are surgical instruments used to grasp and remove the lens during specific types of cataract surgery.
Option D: An ophthalmoscope is used for fundoscopy to examine the internal structures of the eye, including the retina, optic disc, and blood vessels. It visualizes structures but does not measure pressure.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Measurement of Intraocular Pressure (IOP) using diagnostic instruments as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a key role in educating patients about the importance of regular glaucoma screenings, especially for high-risk groups (e.g., those over 40, with a family history, or of African descent).
For patients diagnosed with glaucoma, nurses must reinforce the importance of strict adherence to prescribed eye drop medication schedules to control IOP and prevent irreversible vision loss.
What if? If a patient's IOP reading is 25 mmHg, the nurse should recognize this as elevated (above the normal 10-21 mmHg range), ensure the finding is reported to the ophthalmologist promptly, and prepare the patient for potential further testing or treatment adjustments.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'Intraocular pressure' (pressure inside the eye) and 'instrument'.
The question is a direct factual recall question asking for the name of a specific piece of medical equipment.
Review the options, considering the function of each instrument based on its name and your knowledge.
Eliminate options clearly related to other body parts (e.g., 'Ear speculum').
Differentiate between instruments for visualization (Ophthalmoscope), surgery (Forceps), and measurement (Tonometer) to find the correct match.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Measurement of Intraocular Pressure (IOP) using diagnostic instruments.
Stem keywords: Intraocular pressure, measured, instrument
Lead-in keywords: which instrument

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E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 2 Part 1 p. 86-88

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

Practise the full AIIMS Raipur NO- 2019 (shift 3rd)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.