What would be a common sign indicating the need for closer examination in ROP?

What would be a common sign indicating the need for closer examination in ROP?

• A. Stable vital signs
• B. Presence of plus disease
• C. Normal eye appearance
• D. Rapid weight gain

Answer: (B)

The presence of plus disease is a critical sign that indicates the progression of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and necessitates closer examination. Plus disease is characterized by vascular changes in the retina, including increased tortuosity and dilation of the retinal blood vessels, which signals a worsening condition. Identifying this sign is essential because it indicates that the infant is at a higher risk for the progression of ROP, requiring more intensive monitoring and potentially treatment to prevent vision loss. Stable vital signs, while reflective of a certain level of physiological security, do not specifically indicate an issue related to ROP. A normal eye appearance would not lead to concerns about ROP progression, as it suggests that there are no immediate abnormalities in the retina. Rapid weight gain, although typically a positive sign of growth, does not provide any relevant information specific to the eye condition and may even occur independently of ROP status. Thus, among these options, the presence of plus disease is the most critical indicator for the need for closer examination in ROP cases.

The presence of plus disease is a critical sign that indicates the progression of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and necessitates closer examination. Plus disease is characterized by vascular changes in the retina, including increased tortuosity and dilation of the retinal blood vessels, which signals a worsening condition. Identifying this sign is essential because it indicates that the infant is at a higher risk for the progression of ROP, requiring more intensive monitoring and potentially treatment to prevent vision loss.

Stable vital signs, while reflective of a certain level of physiological security, do not specifically indicate an issue related to ROP. A normal eye appearance would not lead to concerns about ROP progression, as it suggests that there are no immediate abnormalities in the retina. Rapid weight gain, although typically a positive sign of growth, does not provide any relevant information specific to the eye condition and may even occur independently of ROP status. Thus, among these options, the presence of plus disease is the most critical indicator for the need for closer examination in ROP cases.