The nurse is performing a visual examination on a client due to ...

[waynest]

The nurse is performing a visual examination on a client due to the client's complaints of black dots appearing in the visual field. Which statement by the nurse is most appropriate in this situation?
 
  1. The black dots are known as floaters and are usually normal.
  2. We need to refer you to an eye surgeon immediately.
  3. You may have glaucoma.
  4. You may have a cataract.

Question 2

The nurse is interviewing the mother of a three-week-old Caucasian infant. Which statement by the mother indicates she requires further education about her newborn's eyes?
 
  1. It's normal for my baby not to produce tears when she cries.
  2. At this stage, my baby should be able to fixate on a bright light or something that moves.
  3. My baby's eyes are blue and definitely will stay blue.
  4. It was normal for my baby's eyes to be swollen after birth.

[nital]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
Black dots or spots are known as floaters. Floaters are considered normal unless they obstruct vision, so they should not be immediately referred to a healthcare provider. Halos around lights are associated with glaucoma. Floaters are not seen with cataracts.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3

At this stage, the baby may not be able to produce tears. By the fourth week, the baby will begin to produce tears. At six weeks, the baby will begin to develop binocular vision. At this stage, the baby will fixate on a bright light or a moving object. Light-skinned infants are born with blue eyes. By about the third month of age, the color of the eyes begins to change to a more permanent shade. Before six weeks of age, infants will fixate on a bright or moving object. At birth, many infants have edematous eyelids.