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

Unequal pupillary constriction in response to light is considered an abnormal finding during an eye assessment. In a healthy individual, both pupils should constrict equally when exposed to light, as this is a normal reflex response mediated by the autonomic nervous system. When there is unequal constriction, it may indicate an underlying neurological issue affecting the nerves that control the pupils. This could be due to conditions such as Horner's syndrome or a third cranial nerve palsy, both of which require further evaluation.

In contrast, the other options provided are common changes observed in the elderly population. A decrease in tear production, known as dry eye syndrome, often occurs with aging and is not unusual. The presence of arcus senilis, represented by a gray or white arc around the cornea, is a frequent age-related finding and typically does not indicate serious health problems. Similarly, loss of outer eyebrow hair can occur as a normal part of aging and does not typically signify a health issue. Therefore, the only choice that represents an abnormality in the context of an eye assessment is unequal pupillary constriction in response to light.