Conditions: Meniere's, AMD, Glaucoma study notes

• These are concise study notes about different conditions like Meniere's, AMD, Cataracts, Glaucoma, Hypokalemia, Sinusitis, Osteoarthritis, Hearing Loss, etc

Meniere's Disease

• Abnormal fluid buildup in the inner ear is the primary belief as the cause
• Endolymphatic hydrops refers to inner ear fluid accumulation, increasing pressure within inner ear structures
• Diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide, spironolactone, or furosemide may be prescribed
• Stabilizing endolymphatic fluid production minimizes fluid buildup
• Reducing vertigo episodes improves mobility and safety
• Managing symptoms early can minimize permanent hearing loss
• Enhancing the quality of life and support for Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) is a treatment goal
• Unexpected vertigo attacks may cause avoidance of driving or socializing, leading to anxiety and fear
• Due to an increased risk of falls, safety precautions are crucial
• Vertigo, nausea, vomiting, imbalance, cold sweats, and trembling are considered vestibular symptoms
• Hearing loss, tinnitus, congestion, ear fullness, blurry vision, and headaches are considered auditory symptoms
• Feeling uneasy, increased ear pressure, tinnitus, sudden changes in hearing, nausea, and diaphoresis indicate early signs of an attack
• Treat with Meclizine (Antivert) or Diazepam (Valium) to combat dizziness
• Promethazine (Phenergan) or Ondansetron (Zofran) help treat nausea
• Long-term management involves diuretics to curb fluid retention
• Hydrochlorothiazide, spironolactone, and furosemide are diuretics to aid long term management
• Prednisone is a corticosteroid useful for reducing inflammation
• Assistive devices are needed to avoid falling
• Sudden movements or position changes is a factor for falling
• Reduce dietary salt intake cuts down on fluid retention
• Caffeine and alcohol cause intensifying symptoms
• Smoking cessation improves circulation
• Meditation and relaxation techniques help manage stress
• Getting adequate sleep and avoiding excessive exertion are helpful lifestyle modifications

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

• With AMD central vision is responsible for vision
• Dry (non-neovascular) and wet (neovascular) AMD are the two categories
• A gradual breakdown of the retina with drusen accumulation is the pathophysiology for Dry AMD
• Gradual central vision loss is a symptom of Dry AMD
• No cure exists, lifestyle changes, smoking cessation, and managing chronic conditions are crucial for Dry AMD
• Carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin) may help slow Dry AMD progression
• Leaking fluid distorts vision as a result of abnormal blood vessels growing under the retina is the pathophysiology for Wet AMD
• Sudden onset blurred vision is a symptom of Wet AMD
• Monthly anti-VEGF injections (ranibizumab, aflibercept, brolucizumab) into the eye is the required treatment
• Photodynamic therapy eliminates abnormal blood vessels
• Encourage smoking cessation and control chronic conditions like hypertension and obesity to slow disease
• Diet must be rich in antioxidants (blueberries, spinach, kale) and omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, flaxseed)
• Zinc (red meats, dairy) helps improve visual acuity
• Regular physical activity helps circulation and overall health, which may slow disease progression
• Those undergoing Amsler Grid use it at home to monitor central vision changes
• Any distortion should be immediately reported to the healthcare provider
• Advise on controlling hypertension, cholesterol, and obesity
• Remove rugs and ensure carpet edges are secure to maintain safety
• Clear pathways and avoid clutter to maintain visual understanding
• Install handrails on stairs and grab bars in bathrooms
• Use bright, adequate lighting to ensure visibility
• Non-skid mats in bathrooms and entryways
• Avoid open-flame candles and fireplaces
• Color code medication labels to make it easier identify
• Smoking and exposure to UV light are a risk factor
• Elevated hypertension, cholesterol and obesity are risk factors
• Age, genetics and family history are risk factors
• Light-colored eyes and light skin pigment increase risk
• Regular eye exams are essential, especially for clients at risk for stroke, myocardial infarction, and hyperlipidemia
• Check blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation to assess based measurements
• A silicone band is sewn to the sclera, creating an indentation to relieve the pressure from the vitreous pulling on the retina

Retinal Detachment

• When the retina pulls away from the blood vessels, this occurs
• Emergency treatment is required to prevent long-term vision loss
• Symptoms include; distorted vision, flashes of light, floaters, and loss of vision
• A sudden onset of decreased peripheral or central vision, dark floaters, flashes of light, and a shadow are indications of this condition
• Eye trauma, injury, increased BP and diabetes are risk factors
• Treatment requires immediate medical attention in the form of surgery
• Postoperative care consists of wearing eye shields avoid bending with a follow-up
• Eye exams needed
• Patients should be educated on options

Macular Degeneration

• Check grid regularly and report if blurry

Chemotherapy Nausea

• Report changes to medical staff right away
• Amsler grid should be used routinely to test vision weekly

Cataracts

• Causes cloudy vision, glare, night vision issues
• Can be a result of dirty eye glasses
• Can mimic dirty glasses
• Symptoms include; difficulty seeing at night, halos around lights or glare sensitivity, and decreased visual acuity even in daylight
• Being over 60 can increase risk with, UV exposure
• Surgical remedies available

Glaucoma

• IOP (Intraocular Pressure), damages the optic nerve
• Open-angle glaucoma slow to progress
• Prevention comes from routine eye exams
• High Blood Pressure is a potential concern

Anti-Embolic Stockings

• The purpose of the stocking is prevents blood clots in the legs
• Improves circulation
• Used post-op, or for patients with DVT

Post Vitrectomy

• Post-operative procedures are required after retinal reattachment, after a gas bubble and silicon oil injection

Anaphylaxis

• Symptoms can be severe and related to breathing conditions

Nursing Education

• Teach patients about their medications and signs of overdose

Tinnitus

• Tinnitus is a common condition that causes someone to hear hissing, ringing etc
• Tinnitus may disrupt sleep

Osteoarthritis

• Osteoarthritis is a common, but serious condition, symptoms include; pain and stiffness
• Overweight patients are more prone to increased symptoms

Sinusitis

• If a patient experiences cold or allergies it's important to watch the color of the nose drippings, yellow means a sinus infection
• Patients should perform saline rinses to help keep passages moist

Hearing Loss

• Hearing and communication are linked, patient understanding is key

Cancer

• The most important issue is prevention, patients should check with their doctors

Osteoarthritis

• This conditions patients should take it easy a exercise is the best remedy for movement, with minimal impact.

Prostate and Lung Cancer

• Black men have higher diagnosis rate of cancer
• Regular examinations are great start for early detection