The parents of a 5-year-old bring their son to the emergency department because of significant eyelid edema. The mother states, "He scratched himself near his eye a couple of days ago while playing outside in the yard"

Question

The nurse suspects periorbital cellulitis based on which of the following? A) Evidence of discharge
B) Reddened conjunctiva
C) Purplish discoloration of eyelid
D) Altered visual acuity

Answer 1

C
Feedback:
Periorbital cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the eyelids and tissue surrounding the eye. The bacteria may gain entry into the skin via an abrasion, laceration, insect bite, foreign body, or impetiginous lesion. It may also result from a nearby bacterial infection such as sinusitis. Findings include marked eyelid edema, purplish or red color of the eyelid, clear conjunctivae, absence of discharge, and normal visual acuity.