NR569 Final Exam (Latest Update 2025 /
2026) Differential Diagnosis in Acute
Care Practicum Study Guide Questions &
100% Correct Answers [Grade A]–
Chamberlain
Allergic Conjunctivitis - correct answer - Inflammation of the conjunctiva due to
allergies is common, occurring in up to 40% of the population. Itching is the most
consistent sign of allergic conjunctivitis; it is also characterized by red eyes and other
allergic disease symptoms such as sneezing.
- Symptoms: severe itching (MOST PROMINENT) , generalized hyperemia of the
conjunctiva, & mild-moderate tearing. Rubbing of eyelids can lead to eyelid edema
and temporary hyperpigmentation (allergic shiners/raccoon eyes). Allergic
conjunctivitis often accompanied by s/s of allergic rhinitis, including the presence of a
crease on the nose from frequent manipulation (toddler salute).
- Treatment: Mild-moderate symptoms ma be managed with artificial tears and
cool/cold compresses. Severe s/s may require an ophthalmology consultation, and
immune modulation with topical antihistamine, mast cell stabilizer, or mild steroid.
, NR569 Final Exam (Latest Update 2025 /
2026) Differential Diagnosis in Acute
Care Practicum Study Guide Questions &
100% Correct Answers [Grade A]–
Chamberlain
Bacterial Conjunctivitis - correct answer Bacterial conjunctivitis is the second most
common cause of infectious conjunctivitis, Red, itchy eyes are associated with this
condition, as is purulent or mucopurulent discharge in one or both eyes.
- Symptoms: copious mucopurulent discharge (MOST PROMINENT), often unilateral
(helps distinguish from allergic/viral etiology) but may spread to both eyes via hands
when rubbing eyes, and pain/irritation with severe hyperemia. **There should be NO
frank vision loss.**
- Treatment: Usually with topical antibiotic ointments or drops.
**Otherwise immunocompetent patients with unilateral disease may be treated
empirically with topical fluoroquinolones such as moxifloxacin or gatifloxixin. If no
, NR569 Final Exam (Latest Update 2025 /
2026) Differential Diagnosis in Acute
Care Practicum Study Guide Questions &
100% Correct Answers [Grade A]–
Chamberlain
improvement within 48 hours, cultures should be repeated and ophthalmology
should be consulted.
Toxic Conjunctivitis - correct answer - Inflammation of the conjunctiva due to
medications, chemicals, or toxins can cause red, itchy eyes.
Viral Conjunctivitis - correct answer - Viral conjunctivitis is the most common cause of
infectious conjunctivitis. Red, itchy eyes are associated with this condition, as is a
watery discharge.
**65-90 % of viral conjunctivitis are caused by adenoviruses, which are highly
contagious and spread through direct contact. Communicability is estimated to be 10-
14 days. Topical ophthalmic antihistamines (preferably OTC) may be recommended to
reduce itching and soothe the eyes.
, NR569 Final Exam (Latest Update 2025 /
2026) Differential Diagnosis in Acute
Care Practicum Study Guide Questions &
100% Correct Answers [Grade A]–
Chamberlain
- Symptoms: Usually presents bilaterally, but symptoms often start in 1 eye 1-2 days
prior. Pain and burning are the MOST PROMINENT symptoms, and eyes are very red
with copious tearing. Preauricular lymph node may be palpated, which is relatively
specific to viral etiology. **Symptoms tend to worsen for the first few days, and
generally resolve within 1-2 weeks.**
**Hand washing and contact precautions are imperative to prevent the spread of
infection.** If hospital staff become infected, they will have to be off for 7 days after
symptoms start in SECOND eye.
Blepharitis - correct answer - Blepharitis, or inflammation of the eyelids, is
characterized by redness at the margins of the eyelids. Symptoms of blepharitis
include: dry, red, itchy eyelids that may be crusted.
2026) Differential Diagnosis in Acute
Care Practicum Study Guide Questions &
100% Correct Answers [Grade A]–
Chamberlain
Allergic Conjunctivitis - correct answer - Inflammation of the conjunctiva due to
allergies is common, occurring in up to 40% of the population. Itching is the most
consistent sign of allergic conjunctivitis; it is also characterized by red eyes and other
allergic disease symptoms such as sneezing.
- Symptoms: severe itching (MOST PROMINENT) , generalized hyperemia of the
conjunctiva, & mild-moderate tearing. Rubbing of eyelids can lead to eyelid edema
and temporary hyperpigmentation (allergic shiners/raccoon eyes). Allergic
conjunctivitis often accompanied by s/s of allergic rhinitis, including the presence of a
crease on the nose from frequent manipulation (toddler salute).
- Treatment: Mild-moderate symptoms ma be managed with artificial tears and
cool/cold compresses. Severe s/s may require an ophthalmology consultation, and
immune modulation with topical antihistamine, mast cell stabilizer, or mild steroid.
, NR569 Final Exam (Latest Update 2025 /
2026) Differential Diagnosis in Acute
Care Practicum Study Guide Questions &
100% Correct Answers [Grade A]–
Chamberlain
Bacterial Conjunctivitis - correct answer Bacterial conjunctivitis is the second most
common cause of infectious conjunctivitis, Red, itchy eyes are associated with this
condition, as is purulent or mucopurulent discharge in one or both eyes.
- Symptoms: copious mucopurulent discharge (MOST PROMINENT), often unilateral
(helps distinguish from allergic/viral etiology) but may spread to both eyes via hands
when rubbing eyes, and pain/irritation with severe hyperemia. **There should be NO
frank vision loss.**
- Treatment: Usually with topical antibiotic ointments or drops.
**Otherwise immunocompetent patients with unilateral disease may be treated
empirically with topical fluoroquinolones such as moxifloxacin or gatifloxixin. If no
, NR569 Final Exam (Latest Update 2025 /
2026) Differential Diagnosis in Acute
Care Practicum Study Guide Questions &
100% Correct Answers [Grade A]–
Chamberlain
improvement within 48 hours, cultures should be repeated and ophthalmology
should be consulted.
Toxic Conjunctivitis - correct answer - Inflammation of the conjunctiva due to
medications, chemicals, or toxins can cause red, itchy eyes.
Viral Conjunctivitis - correct answer - Viral conjunctivitis is the most common cause of
infectious conjunctivitis. Red, itchy eyes are associated with this condition, as is a
watery discharge.
**65-90 % of viral conjunctivitis are caused by adenoviruses, which are highly
contagious and spread through direct contact. Communicability is estimated to be 10-
14 days. Topical ophthalmic antihistamines (preferably OTC) may be recommended to
reduce itching and soothe the eyes.
, NR569 Final Exam (Latest Update 2025 /
2026) Differential Diagnosis in Acute
Care Practicum Study Guide Questions &
100% Correct Answers [Grade A]–
Chamberlain
- Symptoms: Usually presents bilaterally, but symptoms often start in 1 eye 1-2 days
prior. Pain and burning are the MOST PROMINENT symptoms, and eyes are very red
with copious tearing. Preauricular lymph node may be palpated, which is relatively
specific to viral etiology. **Symptoms tend to worsen for the first few days, and
generally resolve within 1-2 weeks.**
**Hand washing and contact precautions are imperative to prevent the spread of
infection.** If hospital staff become infected, they will have to be off for 7 days after
symptoms start in SECOND eye.
Blepharitis - correct answer - Blepharitis, or inflammation of the eyelids, is
characterized by redness at the margins of the eyelids. Symptoms of blepharitis
include: dry, red, itchy eyelids that may be crusted.
