A nurse is admitting a client who has suspected retinal detachment. Which of the following Questions should the nurse include when gathering a client history? Select all that apply.

Choice A rationale Regular heavy lifting or activities that involve significant straining can increase intraocular pressure and may contribute to the progression or occurrence of a retinal tear or detachment in predisposed individuals. Asking about physical exertion helps identify lifestyle factors that may have precipitated the detachment. In clinical practice, patients at risk for retinal issues are often advised to avoid the Valsalva maneuver and heavy lifting to prevent further vitreoretinal traction and ocular complications. Choice B rationale While long-term steroid use is significantly associated with the development of glaucoma and cataracts, it is not a direct or primary risk factor for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Steroids can affect intraocular pressure and lens clarity, but they do not typically cause the vitreous changes or retinal breaks that lead to detachment. Therefore, while important for a general eye history, it is not a specific priority question when investigating the immediate history of a suspected retinal detachment. Choice C rationale Physical trauma to the head or directly to the eye is a very common cause of retinal detachment. Blunt or penetrating injuries can cause mechanical shifts in the vitreous humor that pull the retina away from the underlying choroid layer. Establishing a timeline of any recent accidents or hits to the face is crucial for diagnosing traumatic detachment. This question is a high priority during the assessment because it directly links an event to the pathology. Choice D rationale Wearing sunglasses is a healthy practice for protecting the eyes from ultraviolet radiation, which helps prevent cataracts and macular degeneration. However, exposure to sunlight or the failure to wear sunglasses is not linked to the mechanical separation of the retina. This question is irrelevant to the pathophysiology of retinal detachment, which involves the structural integrity of the vitreous and retinal layers rather than damage caused by light exposure or environmental UV radiation. Choice E rationale Dietary sodium intake is primarily monitored in conditions related to fluid retention, such as systemic hypertension or certain types of macular edema. It does not play a role in the structural failure or tearing of the retina that results in detachment. High salt intake does not increase the risk of vitreous shrinkage or retinal holes. Therefore, asking about sodium levels would not provide useful diagnostic or historical information regarding the physical detachment of the retinal layers.