1-19.
CONJUNCTIVITIS
Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva. It is also referred to as "pink
eye."
a. Causes of conjunctivitis include:
(1)
Allergies.
(2)
Physical trauma.
(3)
Chemical irritation.
(4)
Bacterial or viral infection.
b. Signs and symptoms include:
(1)
Redness.
(2)
Lacrimation (tearing).
(3)
Swelling.
(4)
Discharge.
(5)
Pain.
c. Nursing management includes:
(1)
Normal saline irrigations to flush out drainage.
(2)
Warm compresses (15 minutes, 3-4 times per day).
(3)
(4)
Patient education to avoid further irritation or spread of infection.
1-20. DETACHED RETINA
Detachment of the sensory retina from the pigment epithelium of the retina
causes loss of clear vision. Tears, rips, or holes in the retina allow the vitreous humor
to seep behind the retina, separating it from the epithelium. Unless the holes are
sealed, the retina will progressively detach. There will be loss of central vision as well
as peripheral vision.
MD0919
1-21