A nurse is performing an eye assessment for a newly admitted client. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
A.
Eyelashes that curl slightly outward.
B.
Eyelids that blink involuntarily 30 to 35 times per minute
C.
Corneas with an opaque appearance
D.
Pupils that are 8 to 9 mm in diameter
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: A. Eyelashes that curl slightly outward.
Explanation:
During an eye assessment, the nurse examines various aspects of the eyes, including the eyelashes, eyelids, corneas, and pupils. Let’s explore each option to understand why “Eyelashes that curl slightly outward” is the correct answer.
A. Eyelashes that curl slightly outward: This is a normal finding. Eyelashes protect the eyes from debris and usually curl slightly outward to prevent foreign particles from entering the eye. This outward curl helps keep the eyes clean and reduces the risk of irritation or injury to the eye surface.
B. Eyelids that blink involuntarily 30 to 35 times per minute: Blinking is a normal reflex that helps keep the eyes moist and free from irritants. However, the average blink rate is typically about 15 to 20 times per minute in a healthy adult. A blink rate of 30 to 35 times per minute is considered excessive and could indicate an underlying condition such as dry eyes, stress, or a neurological disorder. Therefore, this is not an expected finding.
C. Corneas with an opaque appearance: The cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. It should be clear and transparent, allowing light to pass through to the retina. An opaque cornea is an abnormal finding that could indicate conditions such as corneal scarring, infection, or edema. This would require further investigation and treatment.
D. Pupils that are 8 to 9 mm in diameter: Normal pupil size ranges from 2 to 4 mm in bright light and 4 to 8 mm in dim light. Pupils that are consistently 8 to 9 mm in diameter are abnormally large, a condition known as mydriasis. Mydriasis can be caused by factors such as drug use, brain injury, or eye trauma and is not a normal finding.
In summary, of the given options, “Eyelashes that curl slightly outward” is the expected and normal finding in a healthy eye assessment. Other findings such as excessive blinking, opaque corneas, or abnormally large pupils would be considered abnormal and warrant further evaluation. The nurse should document normal findings and be vigilant for any abnormalities that could indicate underlying health issues requiring prompt medical attention.