Author Question: A 75-year-old patient who lives alone at home tells the nurse, I am afraid of losing my independence ... (Read 39 times)

newyorker26 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A 75-year-old patient who lives alone at home tells the nurse, I am afraid of losing my independence because my eyes don't work as well they used to. Which action should the nurse take first?

a. Discuss the increased risk for falls that is associated with impaired vision.
b. Explain that there are many ways to compensate for decreases in visual acuity.
c. Suggest ways of improving the patient's safety, such as using brighter lighting.
d. Ask the patient more about what type of vision problems are being experienced.

Question 2

A patient who received a corneal transplant 2 weeks ago calls the ophthalmology clinic to report that his vision has not improved with the transplant. Which action should the nurse take?

a. Suggest the patient arrange a ride to the clinic immediately.
b. Ask about the presence of floaters in the patient's visual field.
c. Remind the patient it may take months to restore vision after transplant.
d. Teach the patient to continue using prescribed pupil-dilating medications.

jessicaduplan · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
The nurse's initial action should be further assessment of the patient's concerns and visual problems. The other actions may be appropriate, depending on what the nurse finds with further assessment.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Vision may not be restored for up to a year after corneal transplant. Because the patient is not experiencing complications of the surgery, an emergency clinic visit is not needed. Because floaters are not associated with complications of corneal transplant, the nurse will not need to ask the patient about their presence. Corticosteroid drops, not mydriatic drops, are used after corneal transplant surgery.