Free BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Question

Hyphema, or the presence of blood in the anterior chamber of the eye, can be a result of blunt trauma and is an ocular emergency that can lead to increased intraocular pressure and potential vision loss. While cold compress is often used for soft tissue injuries to reduce swelling and pain, for ocular traumas such as hyphema, the primary treatment involves elevating the head to promote settling of the blood and reduce pressure on the eye, along with administering prescribed medications to reduce inflammation and possible secondary glaucoma. Applying a cold compress could potentially increase bleeding or lead to further complications. Thus, it is not recommended, and the focus should be on protecting the eye, maintaining patient comfort, and seeking ophthalmologic evaluation.