HESI Health Assessment Practice Test 2025 – All-in-One Study Guide for Exam Success!

Papilledema is the term used to describe swelling of the optic disc due to increased intracranial pressure. This condition arises when there is an elevation in the pressure within the skull, which can result from various causes such as tumors, head injuries, or conditions that affect the brain, like hydrocephalus. During an eye examination, the nurse will typically inspect the optic disc for signs of raised pressure, observing the characteristic swelling and blurred margins that typify papilledema.

Understanding that papilledema specifically points to disturbances in intracranial pressure is critical for assessing neurological health and addressing potential underlying conditions that may require urgent medical intervention. In contrast, retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, and acute-angle glaucoma present with different pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical signs that do not involve the swelling of the optic disc but rather affect other aspects of the eye's structure and function.