HESI Entrance Practice Exam

The instrument specifically designed for the visual examination of the eye is the ophthalmoscope. This device allows healthcare providers to look into the fundus of the eye, including the retina, optic disc, and blood vessels. By providing a magnified view of these structures, the ophthalmoscope is crucial for diagnosing various eye conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and other retinal diseases.

In contrast, the stethoscope is used to listen to internal sounds of the body, like heartbeats and lung sounds; the endoscope is employed for examining internal organs through openings in the body, such as the gastrointestinal tract; while the sphygmomanometer measures blood pressure. Each of these instruments serves its specific purpose within medical practice, but the ophthalmoscope is uniquely suited for eye examinations.