Advanced Health Assessment Practice Exam

A client mentions new severe flashing lights or floaters in their vision. What should be the nurse's priority action?

1. Suggest they wear glasses

2. Instruct them to monitor symptoms

3. Refer them immediately for evaluation

4. Schedule a follow-up appointment

The correct answer is: Refer them immediately for evaluation

When a client reports new severe flashing lights or floaters in their vision, the priority action for the nurse is to refer them immediately for evaluation. This is crucial because these symptoms could indicate a serious underlying condition, such as a retinal detachment or vitreous hemorrhage, both of which require urgent assessment and potentially immediate intervention to prevent permanent vision loss. Flashing lights and floaters can result from changes in the vitreous gel inside the eye or from more severe issues that involve the retina. Given the potential risks associated with these symptoms, immediate evaluation by an eye care specialist is warranted to determine the cause and initiate any necessary treatment promptly. Prompt action can be critical in preserving the client’s vision. Suggestions like wearing glasses, monitoring symptoms, or scheduling a follow-up appointment could lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment, which may result in adverse outcomes for the patient.