A patient presents to the emergency department with sudden, painless, monocular vision loss. Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is the suspected diagnosis. Which of the following is the most critical immediate action for the nurse to take?
Apply a pressure patch to the affected eye and instruct the patient to rest quietly.
Schedule a non-urgent ophthalmology follow-up for the following day.
Facilitate an emergent ophthalmologic consultation and prepare for a stroke workup.
Administer a long-acting cycloplegic agent to reduce pain and ciliary spasm.
Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is an ophthalmic emergency, often termed an 'eye stroke', which can cause irreversible vision loss within minutes to hours if blood flow is not restored. The most critical action is to facilitate an emergent ophthalmologic consultation for diagnosis and intervention, and to prepare for a stroke workup, as CRAO is often caused by an embolus that poses a risk for a concurrent or future cerebral stroke. Treatments like thrombolysis have a very narrow therapeutic window, often less than 4.5 hours from symptom onset, underscoring the need for urgency. Applying a patch, administering cycloplegics, or scheduling a routine follow-up would delay time-sensitive treatment and are not appropriate initial actions for CRAO.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
What are the risk factors for central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO)?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What does thrombolytic therapy entail for CRAO?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What are the potential outcomes if CRAO is not treated promptly?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
BCEN CEN
Maxillofacial and Ocular Emergencies
Your Score:
Report Issue
Bash, the Crucial Exams Chat Bot
AI Bot
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Nursing and Medical Assistants Package Join Premium for Full Access