Page 1006 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

CHAPTER 34

Eye, Ear, and Throat Problems

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Priority Concepts
Safety; Sensory Perception

I. Strabismus
A. Description
1. Called “squint” or “cross-eye”
2. Condition in which the eyes are not aligned because of
lack of coordination of the extraocular muscles
3. Most often results from muscle imbalance or paralysis
of extraocular muscles, but also may result from a
congenital defect
4. Amblyopia (reduced visual acuity) may occur if not
treated early, because the brain receives two messages
as a result of the nonparallel visual axes.
5. Permanent loss of vision can occur if not treated early.

6. This condition, considered a normal finding in

a young infant, should not be present after about age
4 months.
7. Treatment of the condition depends on the cause.
B. Assessment
1. Crossed eyes
2. Squinting; tilts the head or closes one eye to see
3. Loss of binocular vision
4. Impairment of depth perception
5. Frequent headaches
6. Diplopia; photophobia
C. Interventions
1. Corrective lenses may be indicated.

2. Instruct the parents regarding patching

(occlusion therapy) of the “good” eye to strengthen
the weak eye.
3. Prepare for surgery to realign the weak muscles as
prescribed if nonsurgical interventions are
unsuccessful.

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