Medical Surgical Nursing Practice Exam

Proptosis and limited eye movement are characteristic symptoms of orbital cellulitis, a serious condition that arises from infection in the tissues surrounding the eye. Proptosis refers to the abnormal protrusion of the eyeball, which can occur due to the swelling and inflammation associated with the infection. The anatomical and pathological changes involved in orbital cellulitis can lead to pressure on the eye structures, affecting their function.

Limited eye movement occurs as the muscles that control these movements become affected by swelling or inflammation in the orbit, resulting in the patient being unable to move the eye in certain directions. This combination of symptoms, along with possible redness, swelling of the eyelids, and fever, are pivotal indicators for medical professionals to recognize orbital cellulitis promptly, as it requires urgent intervention to prevent potential complications, including vision loss.

Other options provided may present in different ocular conditions or are less specific to orbital cellulitis. For instance, chronic inflammation tends to pertain to long-standing issues rather than the acute presentation of orbital cellulitis. Similarly, while increased intraocular pressure can occur in various ocular conditions, it is not a definitive symptom of orbital cellulitis. Photophobia, the sensitivity to light, is indicative of other eye conditions and does not specifically align with the