The nurse cares for an elderly client with type II diabetes who was diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy. Which statement by the client requires the most immediate action by the nurse?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Chronic hyperglycemia can cause microvascular damage in the retina, leading to diabetic retinopathy, the most common cause of new blindness in adults. Option A indicates a retinal detachment requiring emergency management. A partial retinal detachment may be painless and cause symptoms such as a curtain blocking part of the visual field, floaters or lines, and sudden flashes of light. An unrepaired complete retinal detachment can cause blindness. (Option B) The need for reading glasses is associated with presbyopia and is a common, nonemergency, age-related visual disorder. (Option C) Cloudy vision with a glare is associated with a cataract, a nonemergency, age-related visual disorder. (Option D) Although decreased vibrancy of colors is a sign of diabetic retinopathy and requires intervention, it is not indicative of a partial or complete retinal detachment; therefore, it is not an emergency. Educational objective: Chronic hyperglycemia can cause microvascular damage in the retina, leading to diabetic retinopathy, the most common cause of new blindness in adults. A partial retinal detachment may be painless and cause symptoms such as a curtain blocking part of the visual field, floaters or lines, and sudden flashes of light.

The Nurse Cares for an Elderly Client with Type II