Lewis's Medical Surgical Nursing in Canada, 5th Edition - Nursing Management: Visual and Auditory Conditions Related

Review Lewis's Medical Surgical Nursing in Canada, 5th Edition - Nursing Management: Visual and Auditory Conditions related questions and content

Which of the following assessment findings in a patient who was struck in the right eye with a baseball is a priority for the nurse to communicate to the health care provider in the emergency department?

  • A. The patient complains of a right-sided headache.
  • B. The sclerae on the right eye have broken blood vessels.
  • C. The area around the right eye is bruised and tender to the touch.
  • D. The patient complains of 'a curtain' blocking part of the visual field.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The patient's sensation that a curtain is coming across the field of vision suggests retinal detachment and the need for rapid action to prevent blindness. The other findings would be expected with the patient's history of being hit in the eye with a ball.