N320: Foundations Intercollegiate Center for Nursing Education of Eastern Washington University, Gonzaga University, and Whitworth College, and College of Nursing, Washington State University |
Sensory Alterations
Sunset on the island of Yap
photo copyright carol b. allen
Study/Discussion Questions:
1. Define sensory deficit, sensory deprivation, and sensory overload. Identify risk
factors for each of these conditions.
2. Use the symptom analysis format to assess sensory deficits. How will you adapt your
approach for the client who is deaf or hard of hearing?, blind?, unable to speak clearly,
has decreased tactile sensation or proprioception.
3. Many elderly persons have one or more sensory deficits. Describe what assessments you
will do to determine the risk of injury related to each sensory deficit.
4. Write three-part NANDA diagnoses for clients with sensory deficits.
5. State outcomes for clients with sensory deficits. Describe interventions for older
persons with single or multiple sensory deficits who are at home? who are newly admitted
to the hospital or nursing home? Identify appropriate nursing
interventions for clients with each of the following sensory deficits: sight,
hearing,taste, smell, touch, proprioception.
6. Think of one client that you cared for who had one or more sensory deficits. What did
you learn that will help you care for other clients with this deficit? Share your learning
in class.
Case for Discussion: Mrs. Leary has just moved into an assisted living
apartment. She has been completely deaf for the past 10 years but has learned to lip read.
Two months ago she had a stroke which left her with right sided weakness and neglect and
homonymous hemianopsia. She uses a walker when ambulating outside her apartment. She has
an aide who comes each morning to help her dress and bathe. Meals are provided in a
central dining room.
State a three-part nursing diagnosis related to her sensory deficits.
Mrs. Leary's goals are to avoid injury and maintain as much independence as impossible. Write outcomes for this diagnosis. Describe your individualized nursing interventions.
Despite your interventions Mrs. Leary says she is very lonely and feels isolated. What
will you do? How will you involve others in the facility? her family? friends? community
resources?
Some interesting web sites you might want to visit:
Presbyopia:
http://www.emory.org/vision_correction
Vision problems:
http://www.eyenet.org/public/faqs