Deck 19: Visual and Auditory Changes

Question 1

The nurse plans care for an older female resident of a nursing home who has experienced a sudden deterioration in visual acuity. Which intervention should the nurse complete first?

A) Prevent behavioural and social decline.
B) Tell the resident to hold rails during ambulation.
C) Examine the resident's mood and functional status.
D) Use problem solving involving the resident.

Answer 1

Examine the resident's mood and functional status.

Question 2

Glaucoma is a major public health problem. It is estimated that 250,000 Canadians were living with glaucoma in 2009. Mr. Gonzalez, 70 years of age, has told the nurse that he is experiencing frequent headaches, poor vision in dimly lit areas, increased sensitivity to glare, "tired eyes," and some impaired peripheral vision, especially when he is driving. Which type of glaucoma is Mr. Gonzalez experiencing?

A) Primary open-angle glaucoma
B) Acute angle-closure glaucoma
C) Low tension glaucoma
D) Normal tension glaucoma

Answer 2

Primary open-angle glaucoma

Question 3

Management of glaucoma involves medications (oral or topical eye drops) to decrease intraocular pressure (IOP). Which of the following medications would be prescribed to the older adult to control and reduce the IOP in acute angle-closure glaucoma?

A) Antihistamines
B) Vasodilators
C) Beta blockers
D) Bronchodilators

Answer 3

Beta blockers

Question 4

Which disease creates pressure within the eye and potential optic nerve damage in the older adult?

A) Glaucoma
B) Presbyopia
C) Cataract
D) Macular degeneration

Question 5

According to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe vision loss in older adults in Canada. The CNIB suggests that older adults can change several modifiable risk factors to reduce or prevent AMD. Which of the following demonstrates modification of a risk factor for AMD?

A) Consume few or no alcoholic beverages.
B) Stop smoking.
C) Avoid direct sunlight.
D) Consume foods high in vitamin C.

Question 6

The most detrimental illness or condition that an older adult with prelingual deafness can experience is which one of the following?

A) Aphasia
B) Cataracts
C) Glaucoma
D) Osteoarthritis

Question 7

The etiology of glaucoma is variable and often unknown. Which type of glaucoma in the older adult is the most urgent and requires medical attention?

A) Primary open-angle glaucoma
B) Acute angle-closure glaucoma
C) Low tension glaucoma
D) Normal tension glaucoma

Question 8

An older male adult who has tinnitus complains to the nurse that it is very annoying. The nurse should implement which one of the following to alleviate the stress this patient is experiencing from tinnitus?

A) Irrigate bilateral Eustachian tubes.
B) Assess for modifiable risk factors.
C) Propose a hearing aid and a masker.
D) Use white noise to override tinnitus.

Question 9

The children of an older male adult feel that he is too old to drive a car. Which assessment information about the older adult warrants further investigation by the nurse to determine his fitness to drive a car safely?

A) This older adult has recently experienced an increased rate of tripping.
B) This older adult prefers reading in a dimly lit room.
C) This older adult socializes with a partners bridge group.
D) This older adult cooks gourmet meals for entertainment.

Question 10

Which of the following methods is used to treat the most common cause of impairment to an older person's hearing?

A) Hearing aids
B) Cochlear implants
C) Ear canal irrigation
D) Sign language