An 8-year-old child is seen at the clinic with complaints of pain, pustular drainage of the eyes, and sensitivity to light. Upon assessment, the nurse observes reddened, watery eyes. Based on the initial data, these symptoms are indicative of

Explanation

• Signs and symptoms of all conjunctivitis include watery eyes with reddened conjunctiva and sensitivity to light.

• Bacterial conjunctivitis involves one or both eyes, has mucopurulent drainage, grittiness of the eyes, crusting, and may cause the eyelids to stick together.

• Viral conjunctivitis involves one or both eyes, is often associated with a respiratory infection, and causes watering and itching.

• Allergic conjunctivitis occurs in both eyes, involves itching, and a foreign body sensation.

Incorrect options:

• Opthalmia neonatorum is conjunctivitis of a newborn after being exposed to gonorrhea or chlamydia in the birth canal.

• Stye is an infection of the sebaceous sweat glands of the eye.

• Keratitis is inflammation and infection of the superficial layers of the cornea.

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