National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) Practice Test

Which condition is characterized by a swollen optic disc with blurred margins and engorged vessels?

1. Optic neuritis

2. Papilledema

3. Glaucoma

4. Cataracts

The correct answer is: Papilledema

Papilledema is a condition characterized by swelling of the optic disc, which occurs due to increased intracranial pressure. This swelling causes the margins of the optic disc to appear blurred, as the normal structure of the disc is distorted. In addition to the swelling, the vessels at the optic disc can become engorged, which is another hallmark of this condition. In contrast, optic neuritis typically presents with visual loss and may show changes in the optic nerve appearance, but it is not characterized by blurred margins and engorged vessels in the same way. Glaucoma involves increased intraocular pressure but usually does not result in optic disc swelling unless it is severe and chronic. Cataracts involve opacity of the lens and do not impact the optic disc directly. Thus, the specific features of swollen optic disc with blurred margins and engorged vessels align clearly with the definition of papilledema.