MED SURG Chapter 4|complete latest solution guide.

MED SURG Chapter 42 Changes in the Eye and Vision Related to Aging Structure/Function Change Implication Appearance Eyes appear “sunken” Arcus senilis forms Sclera yellows or appears blue Do not use eye appearance as an indicator for hydration status Reassure patient that this change does not affect vision Do not use sclera to assess for jaundice Cornea Cornea flattens, which blurs vision and can cause or worsen astigmatism Encourage older adults to have regular eye exams and wear prescribed corrective lenses for best vision Ocular Muscles Muscle strength is reduced, making it more difficult to maintain an upward gaze or a focus on a single image Reassure patient that this is a normal finding and to refocus gaze frequently to maintain a single image Lens Elasticity is lost, increasing the near point of vision Encourage use of corrective lenses for reading Iris and Pupil Decrease in ability to dilate results in small pupil size and poor adaptation to darkness Teach that good lighting is needed to avoid bumping into objects, tripping, and falling Color vision Discrimination among greens, blues, and violets decreases The patient may not be able to use color-indicator monitors of health status Tears Tear production is reduced, resulting in dry eyes, discomfort, and increased risk for corneal damage or eye infections Teach the proper use of saline eyedrops to reduce dryness Teach to increase humidity in the home Health Promotion and Maintenance  Eye care providers may recommend that adults older than 40 have an eye exam annually that includes assessment of intraocular pressure and visual fields because the risk for both glaucoma and cataract formation increases with age ACTION ALERT Teach adults to see a health care provider immediately when an eye injury occurs or an eye infection is suspected CRITICAL RESCUE Recognize that a sudden or persistent loss of visual sensory perception within the past 48 hours, eye trauma, a foreign body in the eye, or sudden ocular pain is an emergency. Respond by notifying the eye care provider immediately. Physical Assessment