Physical Impairments and Communication Strategies

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and definitions related to physical impairments and appropriate communication strategies for care.

Physical Impairment

A condition that affects mobility, sensation, or physical function.

Conductive Deafness

A temporary condition where sound waves cannot travel effectively through the outer and middle ear.

Sensorineural Deafness

A permanent hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve.

Communication Barriers

Obstacles that hinder effective communication with physically impaired patients.

Hearing Impairment

A partial or total inability to hear sounds.

Flaccid Paralysis

A type of paralysis where muscles become flabby and shrink.

Spastic Paralysis

A type of paralysis characterized by tight and hard muscles, prone to spasms.

Dysphagia

Inability to swallow, complicating the consumption of food or fluids.

Monoplegia

Paralysis that affects one limb.

Hemiplegia

Paralysis that affects one side of the body.

Quadriplegia

Paralysis that affects all four limbs and may impact organs below the neck.

Bariatric Patients

Patients who are obese and often require special considerations in care and transport.

Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome

A condition characterized by obesity, sleep-disordered breathing, and excess CO2 in the blood.

Aspasia

A language disorder resulting in difficulty understanding or producing language.

Dysarthia

An articulation disorder affecting the ability to form sounds correctly due to muscle weakness.

Voice Production Disorders

Problems with the pitch, volume, or quality of the voice.

Fluency Disorders

Disorders that impact the flow of speech, such as stuttering.

Visual Impairment

A condition resulting from congenital or acquired factors that affects vision.

Mobility Aids

Devices such as canes or walkers that assist individuals with moving.

Service Animals

Animals trained to help individuals with disabilities, providing assistance.

Assessment Tools

Methods and aids used to evaluate the needs and conditions of patients.

Patient-Centric Care

An approach to care that prioritizes the preferences, needs, and values of the patient.

Trauma Informed Care

An approach that recognizes the impact of trauma on patients and adjusts care accordingly.

Cultural Sensitivity

Awareness of cultural differences that may influence patient responses.

Communication Strategies

Techniques used to facilitate effective communication, especially with impairments.

Verification and Clarity

Confirming understanding by asking patients to repeat important information.

Nonverbal Cues

Body language, gestures or facial expressions that communicate feelings or understanding.

Environmental Management

Adjusting the physical surroundings to improve communication and comprehension.

Lip Reading

A method some deaf individuals use to understand spoken language by watching lips.

Assistive Technology

Devices or software designed to help individuals with disabilities communicate or function.

Hearing Aids

Devices that amplify sound for individuals with hearing loss.

Cochlear Implants

Surgically implanted devices that provide a sense of sound to individuals with severe hearing loss.

Self-Management Strategies

Patient's techniques to manage their own health and conditions.

Emotional Support Resources

Services available to provide psychological support for patients.

Documentation

The process of accurately recording patient information and care provided.

Required Reporting

The obligation to report suspected abuse or neglect of vulnerable populations.

Emergency Communication

Adjusting communication methods in crisis situations to ensure clarity and understanding.

Interpreters

Professionals who facilitate communication between people who use different languages.

Mandatory Reporting

Legal obligation to report suspected cases of abuse or neglect.

Patient History

A record of a patient's past medical conditions and treatments.

Joint Stiffness

Reduced flexibility in the joints, commonly found in individuals with paralysis.

Muscle Atrophy

The wasting away or reduction in muscle mass due to inactivity or disease.

Holistic Thinking

An approach that considers the whole patient in care practices.

Trauma Awareness

Recognizing how past trauma may affect patient behavior and responses.

Preferred Communication Method

The specific way a patient prefers to communicate (e.g., sign language, written instructions).

Environmental Changes

Alterations in surroundings that may affect patient comfort and understanding.

Assisted Transportation

Facilitated movement of patients who require additional support due to impairments.

Pre-Notification Protocols

Informing facilities about special patient needs prior to arrival.

Trust in Healthcare

Building a reliable relationship between patients and healthcare providers.

Physically Impaired Patient

A patient with a limitation on physical functioning, mobility, dexterity, or stamina, which may require the use of assistive devices or specialized care protocols.

Mental Illness vs. Developmental Disability

Mental illness involves disturbances in behavior or thought (e.g., Depression); developmental disability is a lifelong impairment present before age 22 (e.g., Cerebral Palsy).

Physical Impairment

A condition that affects mobility, sensation, or physical function.

Conductive Deafness

A temporary condition where sound waves cannot travel effectively through the outer and middle ear.

Sensorineural Deafness

A permanent hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve.

Communication Barriers

Obstacles such as noise, lack of eye contact, or absence of assistive devices that hinder effective interaction with physically impaired patients.

Hearing Impairment

A partial or total inability to hear sounds.

Flaccid Paralysis

A type of paralysis where muscles become flabby and shrink.

Spastic Paralysis

A type of paralysis characterized by tight and hard muscles, prone to spasms.

Dysphagia

Inability to swallow, complicating the consumption of food or fluids.

Monoplegia

Paralysis that affects one limb.

Hemiplegia

Paralysis that affects one side of the body.

Quadriplegia

Paralysis that affects all four limbs and may impact organs below the neck.

Bariatric Patients

Patients who are obese and often require special considerations in care, equipment weight limits, and transport.

Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome

A condition characterized by obesity, sleep-disordered breathing, and excess CO_{2} in the blood.

Aspasia

A language disorder resulting in difficulty understanding or producing language.

Dysarthia

An articulation disorder affecting the ability to form sounds correctly due to muscle weakness.

Common Medical Emergencies

Physically impaired patients are at higher risk for aspiration, urinary tract infections (UTIs) from catheters, and decubitus ulcer infections.

Common Trauma Emergencies

Increased risk of fractures due to muscle atrophy/osteoporosis and possible difficulty with spinal stabilization due to pre-existing hardware.

Signs of Abuse or Neglect

Look for unexplained bruises in various stages of healing, advanced bedsores, poor hygiene, or missing essential devices like glasses.

Modified Assessment Approach

Focus on the patient's baseline through caregivers, check for medical alerts, and assess for respiratory compromise regardless of the chief complaint.

Transport Considerations

Prioritize keeping mobility aids and service animals with the patient, and use appropriate bariatric-rated equipment for safe movement.

Justification of Care

Decisions must be based on the degree of impairment, potential for respiratory failure (e.g., in bariatrics), and the patient's baseline functional status.

Assessment Tools

Methods and aids used to evaluate the needs and conditions of patients.

Patient-Centric Care

An approach to care that prioritizes the preferences, needs, and values of the patient.

Trauma Informed Care

An approach that recognizes the impact of trauma on patients and adjusts care accordingly.

Communication Strategies

Techniques used to facilitate interaction, such as using pen and paper, maintaining eye contact for lip-reading, or utilizing interpreters.

Environmental Management

Adjusting the surroundings, such as lighting or noise levels, to improve communication and patient comfort.

Mandatory Reporting

The legal obligation to report suspected cases of abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities.