Tonometry is the method of measuring?

Appeared in: ISRO- 2016

Explanation

Tonometry is the standard clinical procedure for measuring the fluid pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP).
It is a critical test for screening, diagnosing, and managing glaucoma, a condition characterized by high IOP that can lead to optic nerve damage and blindness.
The normal range for intraocular pressure is approximately 12 to 20 mmHg.
The image shows an applanation tonometer, a common type, which works by measuring the force required to flatten a small area of the cornea.

Option A: Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of arteries. It is measured using a sphygmomanometer, not a tonometer.
Option B: Similar to measuring blood pressure in children, blood pressure in the elderly is measured with a sphygmomanometer. Tonometry is exclusively for eye pressure.
Option C: Foot pressure is assessed using specialized equipment like pressure mats or pedobarography to analyze gait and pressure distribution on the sole of the foot.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Definition and clinical application of tonometry as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A nurse's role includes preparing the patient for tonometry by explaining the procedure and administering anesthetic eye drops as prescribed to ensure patient comfort and accurate readings.
Patient education is crucial: instruct the patient to avoid squeezing their eyelids, holding their breath, or performing a Valsalva maneuver during the measurement, as these actions can falsely elevate the IOP reading.
What if? If a patient's IOP reading is consistently above 21 mmHg, the nurse should anticipate further diagnostic tests for glaucoma and educate the patient on the importance of follow-up and adherence to prescribed treatments (e.g., eye drops) to prevent vision loss.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of a specific medical term.
Identify the core term in the question: 'Tonometry'.
Break down the word: 'Tono-' relates to tension or pressure, and '-metry' relates to measurement.
Recall the clinical context for this term. In medicine, tonometry almost exclusively refers to the eye.
Evaluate the options based on this definition. 'Intraocular pressure' (pressure inside the eye) is a direct match.
Eliminate the other options by confirming they are measured by different methods (sphygmomanometer for blood pressure, pedobarography for foot pressure).

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q9lILfCjN95uFuQBK4WZiL

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

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

Practise the full ISRO- 2016

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