Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What type of hemorrhage occurs from an increase in intraocular pressure often related to coughing or straining?

1. Retinal hemorrhage

2. Subconjunctival hemorrhage

3. Vitreous hemorrhage

4. Corneal hemorrhage

The correct answer is: Subconjunctival hemorrhage

Subconjunctival hemorrhage is characterized by bleeding underneath the conjunctiva, which is the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. This type of hemorrhage can occur due to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure, commonly seen during activities that involve significant strain, such as coughing, sneezing, or heavy lifting. The mechanism behind this is that the increased pressure can cause small blood vessels in the conjunctiva to rupture, leading to a localized area of redness. While retinal, vitreous, and corneal hemorrhages can also result from various forms of trauma or other factors, they typically involve deeper structures of the eye or the retina itself rather than the conjunctival surface. In summary, subconjunctival hemorrhage distinctly arises from these pressure changes, making it the correct response in this context.