Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Assessment and Management of Patients with Eye and Vision Disorders Related

Review Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Assessment and Management of Patients with Eye and Vision Disorders related questions and content

The nurses assessment of a patient with significant visual losses reveals that the patient cannot count fingers. How should the nurse proceed with assessment of the patients visual acuity?

  • A. Assess the patients vision using a Snellen chart.
  • B. Determine whether the patient is able to see the nurses hand motion.
  • C. Perform a detailed examination of the patients external eye structures.
  • D. Palpate the patients periocular regions.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: If the patient cannot count fingers, testing hand motion detection is the next step to assess visual acuity. Snellen charts require better vision, and external exams or palpation do not measure acuity.