Which of the following condition is manifested by increased intra ocular pressure?

WCL Staff Nurse - 2019

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: WCL Staff Nurse - 2019

Explanation

Glaucoma refers to a group of ocular conditions characterized by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP).
The increased pressure is caused by an imbalance between the production and drainage of aqueous humor, the fluid inside the eye.
If left untreated, the high IOP damages the optic nerve, leading to progressive and irreversible vision loss.
Normal IOP ranges from 10 to 21 mm Hg; in glaucoma, the pressure is often consistently above this range.

Option A: Cataract is the clouding of the eye's natural lens. It causes blurry vision but does not directly involve an increase in intraocular pressure.
Option B: Conjunctivitis, or 'pink eye,' is the inflammation of the conjunctiva. It is typically caused by infection or allergies and presents with redness, itching, and discharge, but it does not affect intraocular pressure.
Option C: Dacrocystitis is the inflammation and infection of the lacrimal sac, located in the corner of the eye near the nose. It causes pain, swelling, and tearing but is unrelated to intraocular pressure.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pathophysiology of Common Eye Disorders as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Early detection of glaucoma is critical. Nurses play a key role in educating patients about the importance of regular comprehensive eye exams, especially for those with risk factors like family history, diabetes, and age over 40.
Patient education on medication adherence is vital. Glaucoma is a chronic condition requiring lifelong treatment. Nurses must teach patients the correct technique for instilling eye drops, including punctal occlusion, to maximize effectiveness and minimize systemic side effects.
What if? If a patient on beta-blocker eye drops for glaucoma has a history of asthma or bradycardia, the nurse must be vigilant in monitoring for systemic side effects like bronchospasm and a slowed heart rate. This information should be communicated to the prescribing physician, as an alternative medication might be necessary.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key phrase in the question stem: 'increased intraocular pressure'. This is the defining characteristic you need to match with the options.
Next, systematically review each option and recall its primary pathology.
Cataract: Think 'cloudy lens'.
Conjunctivitis: Think 'inflammation of conjunctiva' or 'pink eye'.
Dacrocystitis: Think 'inflammation of the tear sac'.
Glaucoma: Think 'optic nerve damage due to high eye pressure'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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