Diplopia (double vision) can be used to assess for which condition?

• A. Hypertension with tachycardia
• B. Diplopia
• C. Severe back pain
• D. Rash

Answer: (B)

Diplopia signals a problem with eye alignment and control of the eye muscles, usually due to issues with the nerves that move the eyes or with the muscles themselves. When you encounter double vision, you’re looking to assess disorders that affect ocular motor function, such as cranial nerve palsies or other neurologic or neuromuscular problems that impact eye movement. That’s why diplopia is the relevant clue to evaluate in this context—the other options describe symptoms or conditions that aren’t connected to how the eyes move.