Age-Related Macular Degeneration

P.J. is a 74-year-old female who has been seen multiple times in the past with a complex medical history. Most recently, she was discharged one month ago after a 14-day stay for gangrenous open cholecystectomy. The gangrene extended into the common bile duct and she suffered a bile leak postoperatively. On this visit to the emergency room, she is complaining of diminished vision in the left eye for the past seven days. She is currently taking the following medications: valsartan 160 mg/25 mg PO daily amitriptyline 25 mg PO daily aspirin 81 mg PO daily alprazolam 0.25 mg every 6 hours PRN for anxiety Subjective Data States her vision has become “fuzzy and distorted” in the left eye States, “I survived that horrid ordeal with my gallbladder and now I have trouble with my vision.” Never married; has a good support system with friends and caretakers Objective Data Physical Examination Blood pressure 119/79, pulse 82, temperature 97.7° F, respirations 16 Alert and oriented to person, place, and time Diminished breath sounds bilateral lower lobes posteriorly Oxygen saturation 96% on room air 1. List and explain; six potential causes of P.J.’s blurry vision. 2. Analyze additional health history information and describe what would be included in P.J.’s focused nursing assessment. 3. Detail early signs and evaluate risk factors of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). 4. Determine what diagnostic tests determine if P.J. has age-related macular degeneration. 5. Discuss the necessary diet related teaching/changes that need to be provided to P.J.