Free BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Question

The correct diagnosis is hyphema. Hyphema is the presence of blood in the anterior chamber of the eye, which is the space between the cornea and the iris. It is typically caused by blunt trauma to the eye, such as being hit with a ball. The pooling of blood in the anterior chamber is a characteristic sign of hyphema.

It's important to differentiate hyphema from other ocular traumas:

• Globe rupture typically presents with a misshapen pupil, decreased visual acuity, and possibly extruded ocular contents.
• Retinal detachment usually presents with visual field defects or the sensation of a curtain falling over the vision.
• Corneal abrasion would show a scratch on the surface of the eye, visible with fluorescein staining.

Prompt diagnosis and management of hyphema is crucial to prevent complications such as increased intraocular pressure, corneal blood staining, and optic atrophy. Treatment typically involves rest, elevation of the head, and possibly eye drops to control inflammation and intraocular pressure.