Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Test

The symptoms of an orbital fracture can include ptosis, which is the drooping of the upper eyelid, and vertical diplopia, which refers to double vision where objects appear to be displaced vertically. These symptoms often result from damage or disruption to the eye muscles or nerves within the orbit due to the fracture.

Patients may experience difficulty in moving their eye normally, and the drooping eyelid can affect appearance and possibly lead to further complications with vision if not addressed. The disruption to the ocular muscles is particularly significant in orbital fractures, where the integrity and function of these muscles are compromised.

While other symptoms can be associated with orbital fractures, such as headaches or numbness of the face, the combination of ptosis and vertical diplopia is more directly indicative of the specific muscular and neurological effects related to an injury in the orbital area. Therefore, selecting the option that includes these symptoms accurately reflects the typical presentation seen in cases of orbital fracture.