Which patient is at greatest risk for papilledema?
A- An elderly patient with cataracts and macular degeneration
B- A male patient with hypothyroidism
C- A male patient with hyperthyroidism
D- An adolescent with a closed head injury
Correct Response: D
Patients, including adolescents, with a closed head injury is at greatest risk for papilledema because closed head injuries lead to an increase in intracranial pressure which leads to papilledema. Hyperthyroidism is associated with exophthalmos and there is no relationship or positive correlation of macular degeneration and/or cataracts to papilledema.
A- An elderly patient with cataracts and macular degeneration
B- A male patient with hypothyroidism
C- A male patient with hyperthyroidism
D- An adolescent with a closed head injury
Correct Response: D
Patients, including adolescents, with a closed head injury is at greatest risk for papilledema because closed head injuries lead to an increase in intracranial pressure which leads to papilledema. Hyperthyroidism is associated with exophthalmos and there is no relationship or positive correlation of macular degeneration and/or cataracts to papilledema.
