CH 43 & 44 Eyes and Ears Recording

Infections and Inflammations of the Eye

• Blepharitis:

  • Definition: Inflammation of the eyelid.
  • Symptoms Present:
  • Swelling of the eyelid.
  • Appearance: Red bump on the eyelid due to bacterial infection at the eyelid's root.

• Conjunctivitis:

  • Characteristics: Red and swollen conjunctiva (the membrane covering the eye).
  • Treatment:
  • Antibiotics may be prescribed.

• Key Terms:

  • Scleral: Referring to the sclera (white part of the eye).
  • Photophobia: Sensitivity to light.

Types of Visual Impairments

• Poor visual acuity reported by children can indicate various types of visual impairment.
• Types of Discharge in Eye Infections:
  • Bacterial Discharge: Often characterized by a thick, colored discharge.
  • Viral Discharge: Typically thinner and more watery.

Understanding Glaucoma

• Glaucoma:
  • Definition: Eye disease that damages the optic nerve, often due to high intraocular pressure.
  • Symptoms: Vision loss can occur.

Hearing Impairments

• Profound Hearing Loss:

  • Definition: Often termed as being deaf.

• Tinnitus:

  • Definition: Perception of abnormal sounds, such as ringing in the ears.
  • Characteristics: Can be continuous and cause disorientation, such as feeling of vertigo.

• Causes of Tinnitus:

  • Medication side effects.
  • Meniere's Disease: A disorder affecting the inner ear.

Eustachian Tube Function

• Eustachian Tubes:
  • Characteristics: Shorter, wider, and more horizontal in children, contributing to ear infections.

Tympanic Membrane Care

• Tympanic Membrane Preparation:
  • Ensure care when preparing for procedures related to the tympanic membrane (ear drum).

Managing Urinary Hesitancy

• Definition: Feeling the urge to urinate without the ability to do so.
• Management Strategies:
  • Use sugarless candy to stimulate saliva and reduce dryness.
  • Increase water intake.
  • Avoid alcohol and CNS depressants to reduce symptoms of hesitancy and dryness.