When assessing a client with acute-angle closure glaucoma, what finding should the nurse expect?

When assessing a client with acute-angle closure glaucoma, the nurse would expect to find severe periocular pain. Acute-angle closure glaucoma is characterized by a sudden increase in intraocular pressure, which can cause intense, often debilitating pain around the eyes. This pain is typically accompanied by other symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances.

The mechanism behind the severe periocular pain is related to the buildup of pressure within the eye, which affects the surrounding structures and tissues. This condition is considered a medical emergency, and the associated pain is a key indicator prompting immediate assessment and intervention.

In contrast, other findings such as increased peripheral vision, blurred vision, or redness in the eyes may occur in different ocular conditions, but they are not hallmark signs specific to acute-angle closure glaucoma. For instance, blurred vision can result from the pressure but is not as defining as the severe pain experienced in this condition. Therefore, recognizing severe periocular pain helps the nurse identify a critical situation requiring urgent care.