Eye, Ear, and Skin Disorders—Lecture Review

A comprehensive set of Q&A flashcards covering key objectives on eye, ear, and skin disorders, suitable for exam review.

How is "low vision" defined in contrast to blindness?

Low vision is a visual impairment that cannot be fully corrected and limits daily activities, whereas blindness is the absence of useful vision.

What two broad categories of impairment must be differentiated when assessing vision?

Functional impairment (impact on daily life) and visual impairment (measurable reduction in visual acuity or visual field).

Name two key strategies used to assess patients with low vision.

Measure visual acuity/fields and evaluate the impact on activities of daily living through patient history.

What are two common management approaches for low vision?

Optical aids (e.g., magnifiers, large-print materials) and environmental adaptations (e.g., improved lighting, high-contrast markings).

When guiding a hospitalized patient with low vision, what simple orientation technique should the nurse use?

Offer the patient your elbow and verbally describe surroundings while walking (the sighted-guide technique).

Which eye condition is characterized by increased intraocular pressure and optic-nerve damage?

Glaucoma.

What is the primary nursing focus when caring for a patient with glaucoma?

Promote lifelong use of IOP-lowering medications and monitor for vision changes.

Lens opacity leading to progressive, painless vision loss describes which disorder?

Cataracts.

Post-operative cataract care should emphasize which three priorities?

Preventing infection, avoiding activities that increase intraocular pressure, and adhering to the prescribed eye-drop schedule.

Sudden onset of flashes, floaters, and a "curtain" over the visual field suggests what retinal emergency?

Retinal detachment.

What immediate action is required for penetrating eye trauma?

Shield the eye without applying pressure and seek urgent ophthalmologic evaluation.

Why must eye drops be instilled before eye ointment if both are prescribed?

Drops are absorbed first; ointment forms a barrier that would hinder absorption if applied earlier.

After ocular surgery, what symptom should patients report immediately because it may indicate hemorrhage?

Sudden, severe eye pain or vision loss.

List three common manifestations of a hearing disorder.

Frequently asking for repetition, turning the head or leaning forward to hear, and speaking loudly.

What is one effective communication strategy when speaking to a person with hearing loss?

Face the patient, speak slowly and clearly, and use lower-pitched tones.

Otitis externa affects which part of the ear?

The external ear canal.

Tympanoplasty is performed to correct defects in which part of the ear?

The middle ear (tympanic membrane/ossicles).

Vertigo, tinnitus, and fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss are hallmark signs of which inner-ear disorder?

Ménière disease.

What are the three layers of the skin from outermost to innermost?

Epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue.

Which skin layer contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue providing strength and flexibility?

The dermis.

Name one normal age-related change in the skin of older adults.

Thinning of the epidermis, making skin more fragile.

During a skin history, why should the nurse ask about recent medication changes?

Many medications can cause rashes or photosensitivity reactions.

Inspection and palpation are the two primary components of what type of assessment?

Physical examination of the skin, hair, and nails.

A fluid-filled lesion less than 1 cm, such as a blister, is classified as what primary lesion?

Vesicle.

Which diagnostic procedure involves removing a small piece of skin for microscopic examination?

Skin biopsy.

What is the first step in managing any abnormal skin condition?

Identify and eliminate the underlying cause or contributing factors.

Clean, moist wound healing emphasizes using what type of dressings?

Non-adhesive, absorbent dressings that keep the wound moist but not macerated.

How many stages are recognized in pressure-ulcer classification?

Four stages (plus unstageable and deep-tissue injury categories).

For a patient with pruritus, why is tepid rather than hot water recommended for bathing?

Hot water increases skin dryness and aggravates itching.

What teaching point is essential for patients with psoriasis regarding topical corticosteroids?

Apply thin layers to affected areas only and avoid abrupt discontinuation to prevent rebound flare-ups.

Which form of skin cancer arises from melanocytes and is the most dangerous?

Malignant melanoma.

Kaposi sarcoma associated with AIDS typically presents as what type of lesions?

Purplish-red nodules or plaques on the skin and mucous membranes.