An older adult client with macular degeneration tells the nurse ...

[LaDunn]

An older adult client with macular degeneration tells the nurse that all of a sudden the television screen appeared distorted, with the colors all wrong. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?
 
  A) Talk with the client to assess for other hallucinations that might be occurring.
  B) Check the client's medications for side effects of vision changes.
  C) Ensure the client's safety by raising the bed rails.
  D) Contact the healthcare provider for an immediate ophthalmological evaluation.

Question 2

During an assessment, the nurse determines that the client at risk for the development of macular degeneration. Which did the nurse find in the client's health history?
 
  A) Fibromyalgia
  B) Smoking
  C) Arthritis
  D) Acid reflux disease

[cici]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: D

The client with macular degeneration could be experiencing a sudden onset of exudative macular degeneration, as evidenced by the client's stating that the vision changes occurred suddenly and the colors on the television screen appear wrong. The nurse needs to contact the healthcare provider so that the client can be seen by an ophthalmologist. The client most likely is not experiencing a side effect of medications. Ensuring the client's safety is important; however, the nurse needs to do more than raising the bed rails. The client is not hallucinating.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: B

Risk factors for the development of macular degeneration include age, smoking, cardiovascular disease, and being Caucasian. Acid reflux disease, arthritis, and fibromyalgia are not risk factors associated with the disorder.

[LaDunn]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[gcook]

TYSM