Sensory perception Objectives Flashcards
What is a stimulus
any form of sight, sound, taste, touch, pain or anything that stimulates a nerve receptor
What is reception
the process of receiving stimuli from nerve endings in the skin and inside the body. A receptor converts a stimulus to a nerve impulse and transmits the impulse along sensory neurons to the central nervous system (CNS).
These are examples of what kind of receptors
Vision, hearing (auditory), touch (tactile), smell (olfactory), taste (gustatory)
external receptors
What does kinesthetic mean
refers to awareness of positioning of body parts and body movement
what does visceral pertain to
pertains to inner organs
what does perception mean
the ability to interpret the impulses transmitted from the receptors and give meaning to the stimuli
Where is the reticular activating system (RAS) located
brainstem, spanning from the hypothalamus to the medulla
what is the function of the reticular activating system (RAS)
Responsible for regulating arousal and sleep-wake transition
it is the “first responder” to stimuli
What four factors does the response to a stimuli depend on
Intensity
Contrast
Adaptation
Previous experience
How does stress affect sensory perception
Increased sensory stimulation may be sought during periods of low stress simply to maintain cortical arousal.
During high stress periods, multiple stressors may already be overloading the sensory system, and decreased sensory stimulation is desired.
what is being described
It results when a person experiences decreased sensory input or input that is monotonous, or meaningless with decreased sensory input.
The RAS is no longer able to project a normal level of activation to the brain, and the individual may hallucinate simply to maintain an optimal level of arousal.
Sensory deprivation
What condition is being described
A condition that results when an individual experiences excessive sensory stimuli that the brain is unable to respond meaningfully or ignore the stimuli.
The person feels out of control and may exhibit all the manifestations observed in sensory deprivation.
sensory overload
Name some intervention examples for individuals with visual impairments
Acknowledge your presence in the patient’s room.
Speak in a normal tone of voice.
Explain the reason for touching the patient before doing so.
Keep the call light within reach.
Orient the patient to sounds in the environment.
Orient the patient to the room arrangement and furnishings.
Assist with ambulation by walking slightly ahead of the patient.
Stay in the patient’s field of vision if he or she has partial vision.
Provide diversion using other senses.
Indicate conversation has ended when leaving room.
Name some intervention examples for individuals with hearing impairments
Orient the patient to your presence before speaking.
Decrease background noises.
Check the patient’s hearing aids.
Position yourself so that light is on your face.
Talk directly to the patient while facing him or her.
Use pantomime or sign language as appropriate.
Written communication
Name some intervention examples for individuals with Gustatory/Olfactory Impairment
Attention to oral hygiene and properly fitting dentures
Foods of different textures, colors, temperatures, served attractively
Smelling food before eating it and recalling pleasurable aromas from the past
