Sensory Alterations - lecture 21 LAST LECTURE EVER

1. Sight (visual)

2. Hearing (auditory)

3. Touch (tactile)

4. Smell (olfactory)

5. Taste (gustatory)

what are the normal sensations

Sensory Deficits

Decline in vision, hearing

Sensory Deprivation

Severe reduction in external stimuli; “bed rest”

Sensory Overload

Excessive stimulation that prevents a meaningful response by the brain

ambulance in room

cognitive effects of sensory deprivation

Inability to think or problem solve

Affective effects of sensory deprivation

Increased anxiety, restlessness, depression

Physical Assessment - normal parts of aging

Hearing, vision, touch, taste, smell

Environmental Factors - normal parts of aging

Safety measures, call light, bed rails, adequate lighting, no loose rugs

Communication - normal parts of aging

Determine most effective method, assistive devices, writing boards, pictures

Use of Assistive Devices - normal parts of aging

Hearing aids, glasses, dentures

nursing interventions

Use of assistive devices

Promote meaningful/optimal stimulation

Establish a safe environment

-- vision deficit

-- fall risk

communication methods

Patients with Aphasia

-- speak deeper

Patients who are Unconscious

-- assume they can hear you

-- speak to them normally

Patients who are Confused

-- face to face communication

-- speak calmly, simply, and directly

-- allow time to think before responding

-- if pt is confused and seeing things, dont reinforce the deluision, reinforce reality, "im sorry youre feeling like this, but i dont see anything"