AANP Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certification Practice Exam

Papilledema is characterized by swelling of the optic disc due to increased intracranial pressure (ICP). This swelling typically presents with blurred edges of the optic disc, which distinguishes it from other conditions affecting the optic disc. When analyzing the characteristic of the swollen optic disc in cases of papilledema, it's essential to note that the blurring of edges results from the elevation and edema around the optic nerve head. This clear distinction helps healthcare providers identify and assess the severity of increased ICP and its underlying causes, such as tumors, inflammation, or other pathological processes.

In contrast, a swollen optic disc with clear edges would suggest a different etiology, possibly unrelated to increased ICP or papilledema. An optic disc that appears normal alongside increased ICP would not align with the definition of papilledema, as this condition is directly linked to observable changes in the optic disc. Moreover, signs of inflammation in the optic disc would typically indicate a different condition, such as optic neuritis, rather than papilledema. Thus, the key characteristic of blurred edges in papilledema is critical for proper diagnosis and management.