Which diagnostic test would the nurse anticipate when admitting a patient with cataracts scheduled to have lens replacement?

When a patient is scheduled for lens replacement due to cataracts, keratometry is an important diagnostic test that the nurse would anticipate. This test measures the curvature of the cornea, which is crucial for determining the appropriate type and power of the intraocular lens (IOL) that will be implanted during surgery. Accurate measurements of the cornea help ensure optimal visual outcomes post-surgery, as the shape and curvature can significantly influence how the lens will focus light onto the retina.

Keratometry provides essential data that allows the surgeon to calculate the expected refractive outcome and choose an intraocular lens that will best correct the patient’s vision following the removal of the cloudy lens caused by the cataract. Understanding keratometry's role in the lens replacement process underscores its importance in preoperative assessment.

The other tests listed are not specifically aimed at preparing for lens replacement surgery due to cataracts. Gonioscopy assesses the angle of the anterior chamber, IV angiography visualizes blood vessels in the eye, and indirect ophthalmoscopy evaluates the retina and vitreous. While all these tests are important in their contexts, keratometry directly addresses the requirements for planning cataract surgery.