Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) Practice Exam

What condition is often associated with visual disturbances in stroke patients?

1. Homonymous hemianopsia

2. Myopia

3. Astigmatism

4. Presbyopia

The correct answer is: Homonymous hemianopsia

Homonymous hemianopsia is a condition often observed in stroke patients and refers to a significant visual field loss on the same side in both eyes. This occurs when there is damage to the brain, particularly in the areas responsible for visual processing, such as the occipital lobe or the optic pathways. In stroke patients, the loss of a particular visual field can lead to difficulties in visual perception, affecting their ability to navigate their environment safely. In contrast, myopia (nearsightedness), astigmatism (a refractive error caused by an irregular shape of the cornea), and presbyopia (age-related difficulty in focusing on close objects) are all common refractive conditions that generally do not directly result from a neurological event like a stroke. These conditions do not typically involve damage to the brain and do not present in the same way as visual disturbances resulting from neurological damage. Therefore, understanding the specific implications of homonymous hemianopsia as a consequence of stroke is crucial for appropriately addressing the rehabilitation needs of stroke survivors.