Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

A small abscess on a hair follicle on the eyelid is known as what?

1. A) Hordeolum

2. B) Pterygium

3. C) Pinguecula

4. D) Ptosis

The correct answer is: A) Hordeolum

A small abscess on a hair follicle on the eyelid is known as a hordeolum. This condition, commonly referred to as a stye, typically presents as a painful, red bump on the eyelid. It occurs due to the infection of the oil glands associated with the hair follicles, leading to localized swelling and inflammation. The hordeolum is often caused by bacterial infection, predominantly Staphylococcus aureus, and can result from various factors such as poor hygiene, existing skin conditions, or blockage of oil glands. Recognizing this condition is important for management, which may include warm compresses to promote drainage, antibiotics, or other interventions if necessary. The other conditions listed do not describe a small abscess on the eyelid. For instance, a pterygium is a growth of tissue on the eye's conjunctiva, a pinguecula is a yellowish elevation on the conjunctiva due to UV exposure and aging, and ptosis refers to the drooping of the eyelid. Understanding these differences is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment in the field of family nursing.