Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

In a fundoscopic exam, how do the sizes of arterioles and veins compare?

1. The veins are smaller than the arterioles

2. The arterioles are larger than the veins

3. The veins are larger than the arterioles

4. They are equal in size

The correct answer is: The veins are larger than the arterioles

In a fundoscopic exam, the correct view is that the veins are larger than the arterioles. This observation is essential for assessing the health of the vascular system in the retina. The size difference is due to the distinct functions and structures of these blood vessels. Arterioles, which carry oxygenated blood away from the heart, are normally smaller and have thicker walls to handle higher blood pressure. In contrast, veins are larger in diameter, providing a lower resistance pathway for the return of deoxygenated blood to the heart. Recognizing this difference aids in diagnosing various conditions, as changes in the relative sizes of these vessels can indicate pathological changes, such as hypertension or edema in the retinal circulation. The comparison of their sizes is a key aspect of the fundoscopic evaluation when assessing for potential retinal diseases and other systemic conditions that affect blood vessel health.