FREE CPO Ocular Emergencies and Triage Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient calls stating they splashed a chemical cleaning agent in their eye. What is the most critical immediate instruction to give them?

Accepted Answer

Irrigate the eye with copious amounts of water for 15-20 minutes.

Answer

Immediate, copious irrigation is the most important first step to dilute and flush out a chemical from the eye. This should be done for at least 15-20 minutes with sterile saline, tap water, or any clean water source available before seeking further medical attention.

Question 2

A patient reports a sudden, painless, complete loss of vision in one eye, describing it as a 'curtain falling.' This is a classic symptom of what condition?

Accepted Answer

Retinal detachment

Answer

The symptom of a 'curtain' or 'veil' falling over the vision is a hallmark sign of a retinal detachment. This is a true ocular emergency that requires immediate referral to an ophthalmologist for potential surgical repair to prevent permanent vision loss.

Question 3

When triaging a patient with a red eye, which symptom is the most urgent and requires an immediate appointment?

Accepted Answer

Severe deep, aching pain and light sensitivity

Answer

Severe pain and photophobia (light sensitivity) associated with a red eye are warning signs of serious conditions like acute glaucoma, uveitis, or infectious keratitis. These conditions can be sight-threatening and require immediate evaluation, unlike mild itching or mattering which are often less urgent.

Question 4

A patient calls after being hit in the eye with a fist. They are now experiencing double vision. This symptom strongly suggests what type of injury?

Accepted Answer

Orbital floor fracture

Answer

Double vision (diplopia) following blunt trauma to the eye is a key indicator of an orbital floor fracture, also known as a 'blowout fracture.' This occurs when the bones of the eye socket break, potentially entrapping the muscles that control eye movement, leading to misalignment and double vision.

Question 5

A patient reports a sudden onset of new flashes of light (photopsia) and a shower of floaters. What is the most appropriate triage action?

Accepted Answer

Arrange for the patient to be seen the same day.

Answer

The sudden appearance of flashes and floaters are classic symptoms of a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), which can lead to a retinal tear or detachment. This is considered an ocular urgency, and the patient should be seen by the ophthalmologist the same day to rule out a retinal break.

(CPO) Certified Paraoptometric Practice Test

(CPO) Certified Paraoptometric Practice Test

FREE CPO Ocular Emergencies and Triage Questions and Answers