Which of the following conditions is associated with increased intraocular pressure?

AIIMS Raipur - 2017 (Shift-3)

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur - 2017 (Shift-3)

Explanation

Glaucoma refers to a group of ocular diseases defined by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP).
The increased pressure is caused by an imbalance between the production and drainage of aqueous humor, leading to its accumulation.
Sustained high IOP exerts pressure on the optic nerve, causing progressive damage and characteristic visual field loss, which can lead to blindness if untreated.

Option A: A cataract is the clouding (opacification) of the eye's natural lens. It primarily affects vision clarity, causing blurriness, and is not characterized by increased intraocular pressure.
Option B: Conjunctivitis, or 'pink eye,' is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane lining the eyelid and covering the white part of the eyeball. It causes redness, irritation, and discharge but does not affect the internal pressure of the eye.
Option C: Retinitis is the inflammation of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. While it can cause severe vision problems, it is not defined by or primarily associated with an increase in intraocular pressure.

Visual 1: Diagram: Comparison of a healthy eye and an eye with glaucoma, illustrating the blockage of aqueous humor outflow and the resulting pressure on the optic nerve.
Visual 2: Illustration: The progression of visual field loss in glaucoma, showing the initial loss of peripheral (side) vision, which often goes unnoticed by the patient.

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 and intraocular pressure as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses are key in screening and educating patients about glaucoma, as it is often asymptomatic in its early stages. Emphasizing regular eye check-ups, especially for individuals over 40 or with a family history, is a critical nursing intervention.
Patient education on medication adherence is paramount. Glaucoma treatment is lifelong, and non-compliance with eye drop regimens is a major cause of preventable vision loss.
A crucial nursing skill is teaching patients the proper technique for instilling eye drops, including punctal occlusion (applying gentle pressure to the inner corner of the eye for 1-2 minutes) to prevent systemic absorption and side effects.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept in the question stem, which is 'increased intraocular pressure'.
Second, systematically review the definitions of each option provided.
Third, analyze the pathophysiology of each condition. Cataract involves the lens, conjunctivitis involves the outer membrane, and retinitis involves the retina.
Fourth, recall or deduce that glaucoma is the specific condition where the primary pathological mechanism involves impaired fluid drainage leading to a buildup of pressure inside the eye.
Finally, select Glaucoma as it is the only option directly and characteristically associated with elevated intraocular pressure.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Pathophysiology of common eye disorders and intraocular pressure
Stem keywords: increased intraocular pressure, conditions
Lead-in keywords: Which

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