2026) Differential Diagnosis in Acute
Care Practicum Study Guide Questions &
100% Correct Answers [Grade A]–
Chamberlain
Blepharitis - correct answer - Blepharitis, or inflammation of the eyelids, is
characterized by redness at the margins of the eyelids. Symptoms of blepharitis
include: dry, red, itchy eyelids that may be crusted.
- TREAT - Treatment involves supportive care and antibiotics. Supportive care: Use
warm compresses to loosen the eyelid crusting. Gently scrub the eyelids with diluted
baby shampoo at least twice daily. Use artificial tears to lubricate eyes as needed.
Discontinue eye make-up until condition resolves and then re-start with new
products. Topical antibiotics: Agents with gram positive coverage - erythromycin or
ciprofloxacin ophthalmic ointment.
Corneal Abrasion - correct answer - Corneal abrasion is characterized by an alteration
in the epithelial layer of the cornea due to trauma, foreign bodies, or chemical
exposure. This condition is characterized by redness; however, pain, tearing, and
, NR569 Final Exam (Latest Update 2025 /
2026) Differential Diagnosis in Acute
Care Practicum Study Guide Questions &
100% Correct Answers [Grade A]–
Chamberlain
sensitivity to light are the more typical symptoms. Corneal abrasion is typically
unilateral given the etiology.
- TREAT - Treatment involves removal of foreign body and supportive care.
Discontinue contact lens use. Consider topical ophthalmic antibiotics appropriate for
the etiology of the abrasion (i.e., organic material, finger cat scratch), such as
erythromycin ointment or trimethoprim-polyumyxin B. Consider pseudomonas with
contact lens, mascara, organic material as a foreign body etiology: treat with topical
fluoroquinolone. If evidence of bacterial keratitis, corneal opacification, or corneal
infection, or globe penetration, EMERGENT OPHTHALMOLOGY CONSULTATION IS
INDICATED.
, NR569 Final Exam (Latest Update 2025 /
2026) Differential Diagnosis in Acute
Care Practicum Study Guide Questions &
100% Correct Answers [Grade A]–
Chamberlain
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage - correct answer Subconjunctival hemorrhage is
bleeding below the conjunctiva and is characterized by a red patch on the sclera of
the eye, rather than generalized redness and/or itching.
- TREAT - Treatment for subconjunctival hemorrhage is supportive care. Assess INR
level if patient is on warfarin.
Uveitis - correct answer Inflammation of the uveal tract of the eye, including the iris,
ciliary body, and choroid. It may be characterized by an irregularly shaped pupil,
inflammation around the cornea, pus in the anterior chamber, opaque deposits on
the cornea, pain, and lacrimation. The most common form of uveitis is iritis.
Symptoms include: redness, pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision.
, NR569 Final Exam (Latest Update 2025 /
2026) Differential Diagnosis in Acute
Care Practicum Study Guide Questions &
100% Correct Answers [Grade A]–
Chamberlain
- REFER - Uveitis is associated with loss of vision from retinal scarring; referral to
ophthalmology is appropriate.
Chalazion - correct answer An inflamed nodule (lump) that develops on the eyelid.
Chalazia are caused by the bacterial infection of glands in the eyelid. The infection
may result from poor hygiene or an existing skin condition affecting the face, such as
rosacea. Chalazia vary in size and location in the eyelid, depending on which type of
gland is obstructed.
When a sebaceous gland in the eyelid becomes infected, bacterial and oily secretions
initiate an inflammatory response that blocks the gland and causes a rounded bump
to form.
Superficial chalazia form when glands along the edge of the eyelid become infected
and blocked.