A nurse is assessing a client's eyes during a routine physical examination. Which finding should the nurse recognize as a normal response when using the Snellen chart for visual acuity assessment?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A reason: Reading lines 7 and 8 correctly from a distance of 20 feet indicates normal visual acuity. The Snellen chart is designed to measure vision at 20 feet, and being able to read these lines demonstrates that the client has vision close to the standard 20/20 range. Choice B reason: Reading line 5 correctly from 30 feet is not a standard measure of visual acuity. The Snellen chart is calibrated for 20 feet, not 30 feet, so this finding would not be considered a normal or valid assessment. Choice C reason: Reading letters with both eyes open at 30 feet is not a proper Snellen chart procedure. The test is performed at 20 feet and usually with one eye covered at a time to assess each eye individually. Choice D reason: Requiring glasses to read line 10 from a distance of 10 feet indicates impaired vision, not normal visual acuity. Line 10 represents very small letters, and difficulty reading them even at a short distance suggests reduced visual sharpness.