Free BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Question

The correct diagnosis is hyphema. Hyphema is defined as the presence of blood in the anterior chamber of the eye, which is the space between the cornea and the iris. This condition is typically caused by blunt trauma to the eye, such as being struck by a ball. The blood in the anterior chamber is visible upon examination and can cause symptoms like pain and blurred vision.

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

• Globe rupture typically presents with a misshapen pupil, decreased visual acuity, and possibly extruded intraocular contents.
• Retinal detachment usually causes visual field defects or the sensation of a curtain falling over the vision, rather than blurred vision.
• Corneal abrasion would cause pain and possibly blurred vision, but would not show blood in the anterior chamber.

Prompt recognition and appropriate management of hyphema is crucial to prevent complications such as increased intraocular pressure, corneal blood staining, and optic atrophy.