A diabetic patient has come in for his annual physical examination. He reports that he has been a diabetic for more than 40 years and takes insulin. You take his vital signs: blood pressure 170/92, pulse 82, respiratory rate 18, and temperature 97.8°F (tympanic). The patient reports that his blood pressure is always high. You assess the eyes with an ophthalmoscope and see puffy, white patches on the retina. What are you seeing?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cotton wool spots are indicative of diabetic retinopathy, which can be seen in patients with long-standing diabetes. They represent microinfarctions of the nerve fiber layer in the retina.

A Diabetic Patient Has Come in for His Annual Physical