Understand and be able to correctly interpret visual acuity when using the Snellen chart.

20/30

You see at 30 ft what others see at 20

  If the pain is intense, the patient should notify the surgeon because this may indicate hemorrhage, infection, or increased IOP. Also instruct the patient to notify the surgeon if there is increased or purulent drainage, increased redness, or any decrease in visual acuity

Include the following information in the teaching plan for the patient after eye surgery.

1.    Proper hygiene and eye care techniques to ensure that medications, dressings, and/or surgical wound are not contaminated during necessary eye care.

2.    Signs and symptoms of infection and when and how to report these to allow for early recognition and treatment of possible infection.

3.    Importance of complying with postoperative restrictions on head positioning, bending, coughing, and Valsalva maneuver to optimize visual outcomes and prevent increased intraocular pressure.

4.    How to instill eye medications using aseptic techniques and adherence with prescribed eye medication routine to prevent infection.

5.    How to monitor pain and take medication prescribed for pain and to report pain not relieved by medication.

6.    Importance of continued follow-up as recommended to maximize potential visual outcomes.

What measures are most effective in relieving a client’s pruritus?

Anything that causes vasodilation, such as heat or rubbing, should be avoided. Dryness of the skin lowers the itch threshold and increases the itch sensation.

A cool environment may cause vasoconstriction and decrease itching. Topically applied menthol, camphor, or phenol can be used to numb the itch receptors. Systemic antihistamines may provide relief while the underlying cause of the patient's pruritus is diagnosed and treated. The principal side effect of most antihistamines is sedation. This may be desirable because pruritus is often worse at night and can interfere with sleep.

Baths - oilated oatmeal (Aveeno) and sodium bicarbonate

Topical medication A thin layer of ointment, cream, lotion or solution, or gel should be applied to clean skin and spread evenly in a downward motion.

•        Macule is Flat, less than 1cm such as freckles, measles, flat nevi (moles).

•            Papules are something you can feel, circumscribed, solid, elevation of skin

             with no visible fluid varying in size from a pinhead to 1cm. (acne)

•            A flat Macules that are larger than 1cm. Examples: vitiligo, measles rash,

             Mongolian spots, café au lait spots

•            Plaque is A plateau-like, disk shaped lesion, wider than 1cm.

•            Examples: psoriasis, syphilis.

             Patch is a macule larger than 1 cm

•            Nodule is  Solid, elevated, hard or soft, larger than 1cm. Clusters of cells that

            arises from the subcutaneous or dermis layer of the skin & form swelling.

•            Vesicle elevated cavity with fluid; becomes a blister if walls are ruptured.

Red, moist, maculopapular patch with poorly defined borders in diaper area, extending along inguinal and gluteal folds. History of infrequent diaper changes or occlusive coverings. Inflammatory disease caused by skin irritation from ammonia, heat, moisture, occlusive diapers.