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19 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
What is Glaucoma? |
Characterized by increased intraocular pressure (IOP)
Usually happens in the elderly, increase incident in elderly. Usually occurs bilaterally |
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How fast does glaucoma happen?
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Gradual
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Is glaucoma painful?
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No. It is painless
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If glaucoma is not treated, what happens?
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It can lead to blindness. (2nd leading cause of blindness in the USA) |
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Glaucoma has issues with the aqueous fluid. Describe.
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It is not adequately drained from the eye.
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When do most patients know they have glaucoma?
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When they are having a routine visit. Glaucoma is asymptomatic in the early stages. |
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Can you cure glaucoma?
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No, but you can treat it phamacologically and surgically.
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Early nursing assessment of glaucoma
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Early signs include >22 mmHg in intraocular pressure
Decreased accommodation or ability to focus |
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HESI HINT: Glaucoma
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Glaucoma is often painless and symptom-free. It is usually picked up as part of a regular eye exam. |
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Late nursing assessment of glaucoma
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Loss of peripheral vision
Halos around lights Decreased visual acuity, not correctable with glasses Headache or eye pain which may be so severe as to cause n/v. (Acute closed-angle glaucoma) |
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What are diagnostic tests for glaucoma?
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Tonometer used to measure intraocular pressure |
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What are risk factors of glaucoma?
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Family history
Family history of diabetes History of previous ocular problems Medication use (antihistamines, anticholinergics) |
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Nursing Interventions of glaucoma.
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Administer eye drops as prescribed
Orient client to surroundings Avoid nonverbal communication which requires visual acuity. |
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HESI HINT: Eye Drops
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Eye drops are used to cause pupil constriction since movement of the muscles to constrict the pupil also allow aqueous humor to flow out, thereby decreasing the pressure in the eye.
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HESI HINT: Pilocarpine
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Often used to enhance papillary constriction. Caution client that vision may be blurred 1 to 2 hours after administration of pilocarpine and adaptation to dark environments is difficulty because of pupillary constriction of the drug.
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Nursing interventions of glaucoma. Teaching.
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Careful adherence to eye drop regime can prevent blindness |
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How can you avoid activities that may increase intraocular pressure?
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Avoid emotional upsets
Exertion: pushing, heavy lifting, shoveling Coughing severely, sneezing (Get help for URI!) Constrictive clothing (belt, tie, scarf) Straining stool, constipation |
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Describe pilocarpine
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Para-sympathomimetics. |
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Describe timolol
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Beta-Adrenergic Receptor-Blocking Agent
Inhibits formation of aqueous humor (Adv. Rxn: Side effects are insignificant. Hypotension.) Use cautiously: Hypersensitive, asthmatic clients, 2nd or 3rd degree heart block, CHF, congenital glaucoma, pregnancy) each proper drop instillation Need for ongoing use of drug at prescribed intervals Blurred vision tends to decrease with regular use of this drug |