If a patient has early papilledema, using an ophthalmoscope, the examiner will be able to detect:
A) dilated retinal veins.
B) retinal vein pulsations.
C) sharply defined optic discs.
D) visual defects.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Papilledema is caused by increased intracranial pressure along the optic nerve, pushing the vessels forward (cup protrudes forward) and dilating the retinal veins. Retinal vein pulsations and visual defects are not visible with an ophthalmoscope. On examination, papilledema is characterized by loss of definition of the optic disc.

If a Patient Has Early Papilledema, Using an Ophthalmoscope, the Examiner