Case

A 67 year old patient is admitted into your care with painful red swelling to the medial aspect of their eye (lateral nose) and elevated body temperature. The patient is blinking frequently and clearing tears from their eye.    

Question 2/2 - What would you like to do for this patient?

Click on your selected option(s) below  (correct = 1, over-thinking = 2+)

Case Complete

Incorrect. The underlying cause is likely temporary and nasolacrimal duct function is not essential. The patient can manage a non-functional duct till the cause is resolved.  

Incorrect. The underlying cause is likely temporary and nasolacrimal duct function is not essential. The patient can manage a non-functional duct till the cause is resolved.  

If the condition recurs frequently, then a minor surgical procedure could be warranted.

Correct! An elevated core temperature with painful red swelling suggests an infection is the underlying cause. Topical or systemic oral antibiotics (depending on severity)

Possible. However, with the combination of symptoms in this patient one of the other options is likely better.

Incorrect. While tumors could generate a mass effect blocking the duct, tumors are typically painless.  Thus, the painful redness and elevated body temperature are not consistent with a tumor.