The 75-year-old client tells his nurse that this is the first time he will have had his intraocular pressure measured and that he only came because his daughter insisted

Question

He also says that he is afraid the test will hurt and that he might find out he has glaucoma and will go blind. What is the nurse's best response? A. "The test is painless because you will receive a sedative. If you have glaucoma, the correct glasses or contact lenses can prevent blindness."
B. "The test is quick and painless because a local anesthetic is used. Early detection of glaucoma allows medications and other procedures to prevent blindness."
C. "The test does cause a little pain, but it is over very quickly. This test, however, does not determine whether or not you have glaucoma or are at risk for glauco-ma."
D. "The test causes some pain and tearing, but you can have your daughter present to hold your hand. It is unlikely that you have glaucoma because no one in your family has it."

Answer 1

B
The different ways to measure intraocular pressure are performed with the eye anesthetized so that there is no pain. Glaucoma is caused by a persistent increase in intraocular pressure. When discovered early and managed appropriately, blindness can be avoided.