Glaucoma
Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.
Eye / Earhigh priorityneeds review
Glaucoma
Etiology / Pathophysiology
- Impaired aqueous humor drainage increases intraocular pressure.
- Pressure damages the optic nerve and can cause permanent vision loss.
Medications
| Class | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Cholinergics | Selected drops can improve outflow. |
| Beta blockers | Ophthalmic agents may reduce aqueous production. |
Nursing actions
- Teach correct eye drop technique and punctal pressure when instructed.
- Report severe eye pain, halos, nausea, or sudden vision change.
- Avoid medications that can worsen narrow-angle glaucoma unless cleared.
Complications
- Permanent vision loss
NCLEX cues
- Halos around lights, severe eye pain, nausea in acute angle closure.
- Do not rub after surgery.
Memory hooks
- Glaucoma pressure pushes on the optic nerve.
Labs / Diagnostics
- Trend assessment findings and ordered diagnostics; verify exact values with school source material.
Review notes
- Session-derived study seed. Verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy before relying on details.