A patient with severe eye pain and diminished vision requires immediate care; what should the nurse practitioner do?

In a situation where a patient presents with severe eye pain and diminished vision, the priority is to ensure that the patient receives immediate and appropriate care, which is best achieved through referral to an ophthalmologist. Severe eye pain and vision changes can indicate serious conditions such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, or other ocular emergencies that require specialized assessment and treatment.

While performing a comprehensive eye vision test may seem like a reasonable step, it is not the most immediate action in the face of potential vision-threatening conditions. Similarly, employing treatments such as administering steroids or pilocarpine eye drops can be inappropriate without a clear diagnosis and could potentially worsen the patient's condition or mask underlying issues.

Referring the patient to an ophthalmologist ensures that they receive expert care promptly, allowing for a thorough examination and the necessary interventions to address the underlying problem effectively.