Ch 47. Sensory Alterations

Question 1

Factors affecting sensory function

Answer 1

Age
Stimuli
Family support
Environment
Medications
Gender and ethnicity

Question 2

Adaptations for reduced vision

Answer 2

• Minimizing glare
• Encouraging use of eyeglasses, contact lenses, magnifiers
• Obtaining large-print reading materials and audiobooks
• Accommodating changes in colour perception

Question 3

Adaptations for reduced hearing

Answer 3

• Amplifying telephones, televisions, and radios
• Reducing extraneous noise
• Closed captioning
• Encouraging use of hearing aid
• Signalling devices
• Video relay services
• Communication board
• Written instructions

Question 4

Adaptations for reduced taste and smell

Answer 4

• Providing oral hygiene
• Preparing well-seasoned foods of different textures
• Installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Providing pleasant aromas (e.g., coffee, bread, flowers)
• Removing unpleasant odours

Question 5

Adaptations for reduced tactile sensation

Answer 5

• Providing touch therapy
• Turning and repositioning patient
• Preventing excessive stimuli for hyperesthetic patient
• Providing wrist splint for carpal tunnel syndrome
• Monitoring temperature of hot and cold therapies, bath water
• Using Braden Scale to assess risk for pressure injury

Question 6

Adaptations to the environment

Answer 6

• Orienting to institutional environment: introducing self, explaining where patient is, providing reassurance
• Allowing patient to touch boundaries of room and location of objects
• Describing furniture and equipment, noises
• Keeping high-traffic areas clear
• Using contrasting colours
• Providing appropriate sensory stimulation