Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What is the appropriate follow-up for a patient diagnosed with a subconjunctival hemorrhage?

1. Referral to an optometrist

2. Referral to an ophthalmologist

3. Advise the patient that it is a benign condition and will resolve spontaneously

4. Prescribe an ophthalmic antibiotic solution

The correct answer is: Advise the patient that it is a benign condition and will resolve spontaneously

A subconjunctival hemorrhage is a condition characterized by bleeding under the conjunctiva, which can appear alarming but is often benign. The appropriate follow-up involves reassuring the patient that this condition typically resolves on its own without the need for specific treatment. The blood will gradually be reabsorbed by the body, and symptoms usually improve within one to two weeks. In many cases, especially if the patient is otherwise healthy and there are no associated symptoms such as pain, vision changes, or previous episodes, it is sufficient to monitor the condition without further intervention. This approach alleviates anxiety and promotes understanding of the condition as self-limiting. In contrast, referrals to optometrists or ophthalmologists are usually reserved for cases where there are indications of more serious underlying issues, such as trauma, ongoing bleeding, or other ocular complications. Similarly, prescribing an ophthalmic antibiotic solution is not appropriate unless there is an infection, which is not typically the case with a simple subconjunctival hemorrhage. Thus, the best approach is to provide reassurance and information regarding the benign nature of the condition.