Eye & Ear Disorders, Injuries, and Interventions — NCLEX Sensory System Review | Chapter 53: Saunders NCLEX-PN

Eye & Ear Disorders, Injuries, and Interventions — NCLEX Sensory System Review | Chapter 53: Saunders NCLEX-PN

Chapter 53 of Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-PN® Examination (7th Edition) by Linda Anne Silvestri and Angela E. Silvestri provides a detailed study of eye and ear anatomy, common disorders, injuries, and interventions. It equips NCLEX-PN candidates with essential sensory system knowledge, including assessment techniques, diagnostic testing, medical and surgical management, and priority nursing care.

Watch the video above and review the notes below to reinforce your understanding of eye and ear care for both the NCLEX and clinical practice.

Saunders NCLEX-PN Examination Review book cover

Eye Anatomy & Assessments

  • Structures: Retina, macula, cornea, aqueous humor, lens, optic disc, pupil.
  • Diagnostics: Fluorescein angiography, slit lamp, tonometry (IOP measurement), CT/MRI imaging.

Common Eye Disorders

  • Cataracts: Clouding of lens, vision loss, surgical removal, postop care (no bending/straining).
  • Glaucoma: Open-angle vs. angle-closure; treated with miotics, beta blockers, or trabeculectomy.
  • Retinal detachment: “Curtain” vision, floaters; emergency surgical reattachment.
  • Macular degeneration: Dry (atrophic) and wet (neovascular) forms; laser and nutritional therapy.
  • Ocular melanoma: Tumor removal, enucleation, radioactive plaque therapy.

Eye Injuries & Surgical Interventions

  • Chemical burns: Immediate irrigation with sterile saline or water.
  • Foreign bodies: Avoid rubbing; cover and refer for removal.
  • Corneal transplants: Monitor for rejection signs (RSVP: Redness, Sensitivity, Vision changes, Pain).
  • Enucleation: Postop socket care and prosthesis education.

Ear Anatomy & Assessments

  • Structures: Cochlea, ossicles, tympanic membrane, vestibular nerve, organ of Corti.
  • Diagnostics: Audiometry, electronystagmography (ENG), CT/MRI, tuning fork tests.

Common Ear Disorders

  • Hearing loss: Conductive, sensorineural, mixed, presbycusis.
  • Otitis externa/media: Ear canal or middle ear infection; swimmer’s ear prevention.
  • Mastoiditis: Bone infection; requires antibiotics or surgery.
  • Otosclerosis: Stapes bone fixation; treated with stapedectomy or hearing aids.
  • Ménière’s disease: Vertigo, tinnitus, fluctuating hearing loss; fluid restriction, vestibular rehab.
  • Acoustic neuroma: Benign tumor; surgery with cranial nerve monitoring.

Ear Injuries & Surgical Interventions

  • Tympanic membrane rupture: Protect from water, monitor healing.
  • Ear foreign bodies: Use mineral oil for insects; avoid probing.
  • Tympanoplasty: Surgical repair; postop positioning and infection prevention.
  • Cochlear implants: Postop care, auditory rehabilitation, infection monitoring.

NCLEX Nursing Priorities

  • Protect the affected eye or ear from further injury or infection.
  • Educate on postoperative restrictions and follow-up care.
  • Implement fall precautions for patients with balance disturbances.
  • Reinforce medication adherence (glaucoma drops, antibiotics).
  • Encourage use of assistive devices (hearing aids, visual aids).

Conclusion

Mastering the anatomy, pathophysiology, and nursing care of eye and ear disorders is essential for safe patient care and NCLEX success. Chapter 53 consolidates critical sensory system knowledge into clear, testable concepts with real-world clinical relevance.

Subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more NCLEX-focused lectures and nursing exam preparation tips.

View the complete Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-PN® Examination (7th Edition) playlist here: Complete NCLEX-PN Review Playlist

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