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Now that we have reviewed the anatomy of the eyes and ears and their common disorders, let’s discuss common eye and ear assessments performed by nurses. Subjective AssessmentNurses collect subjective information from the patient and/or family caregivers using detailed questions and pay close attention to what the patient is reporting to guide the physical exam. Focused interview questions include inquiring about current symptoms, as well as any history of eye and ear conditions. See Table 8.3a for suggested interview questions related to the eyes and ears. Table 8.3a Suggested Interview Questions for Subjective Assessment of the Eyes and Ears
Life Span ConsiderationsPediatricWhen collecting subjective data from children, information is also obtained from parents and/or legal guardians. Children aged 2-24 months commonly experience ear infections. Vision impairments may become apparent in school-aged children when they have difficulty seeing the board from their seats. Additional subjective data may be obtained by asking these questions:
Older AdultsThe aging adult experiences a general slowing in nerve conduction. Vision, hearing, fine coordination, and balance may also become impaired. Older adults may experience presbyopia (decreased near vision), presbycusis (hearing loss), cataracts, macular degeneration, or glaucoma. They may also experience feelings of dizziness or feeling off-balance, which can result in falls. Read more about these conditions in the “Eye and Ear Basic Concepts” section earlier in this chapter. Tip: Educate all patients to have yearly eye examinations.Objective AssessmentA routine assessment of the eyes and ears by registered nurses in inpatient and outpatient settings typically includes external inspection of eyes and ears for signs of a medical condition, as well as screening for vision and hearing problems. A vision screening test, whispered voice hearing test, and assessment of pupillary response are often included in the physical exam based on the setting.[1]Additional assessments may be performed if the patient’s status warrants assessment of the cranial nerves. InspectionEyesBegin the assessment by inspecting the eyes. The sclera should be white and the conjunctiva should be pink. There should not be any drainage from the eyes. The patient should demonstrate behavioral cues indicating effective vision during the assessment. EarsInspect the ears. There should not be any drainage from the ears or evidence of cerumen impaction. The patient should demonstrate behavioral cues indicating effective hearing. Vision TestsSee more information about procedures for assessing vision in the “Eye and Ear Basic Concepts” section earlier in this chapter. Assess far vision using the Snellen eye chart. In outpatient settings, near vision may be assessed using a prepared card or a newspaper. Color vision may be assessed using a book containing Ishihara plates. Hearing TestNurses perform a basic hearing assessment during conversation with the patient. For example, the following patient cues during normal conversation can indicate hearing loss:
Whisper TestThe whispered voice test is an effective screening test used to detect hearing impairment if performed accurately. Complete the following steps to accurately perform this test:[3]
Pupillary Response, Extraocular Movement, and Cranial NervesWhen a patient is suspected of experiencing a neurological disease or injury, their pupils are assessed to ensure they are bilaterally equal, round, and responsive to light and accommodation (PERRLA). Extraocular movement and other cranial nerves may also be assessed that affect vision, hearing, and balance. For more information about how to assess PERRLA, extraocular eye movement, and other cranial nerves, go to the “Assessing Cranial Nerves” section in the “Neurological Assessment” chapter. See Table 8.3b for a comparison of expected versus unexpected findings when assessing the eyes and ears. Table 8.3b Expected Versus Unexpected Findings on Eyes or Ears Assessment
Where should you shine the light when checking for the corneal light reflex quizlet?When testing the corneal light reflex, the nurse should shine the light toward the bridge of the nose. At the same time, the client is instructed to stare straight ahead. This facilitates a parallel image on the cornea. The eye response upon shining the light toward the eye may interfere with the assessment.
Which action by the nurse demonstrates correct assessment of the corneal reflex of a client during an eye examination quizlet?Which action by the nurse demonstrates correct assessment of the corneal reflex of a client during an eye examination? The nurse should asses the corneal reflex by lightly touching the corneal surface w/ a wisp of cotton.
When nurse shines a light into the right eye the normal response would be?The reflex is consensual: Normally light that is directed in one eye produces pupil constriction in both eyes. The direct response is the change in pupil size in the eye to which the light is directed (e.g., if the light is shone in the right eye, the right pupil constricts).
Which of the following actions should a student nurse does when inspecting the cornea?The nurse should assess the corneal reflex by lightly touching the corneal surface with a wisp of cotton. Shining a penlight may help to test the pupillary response and accommodation.
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