Chapter 30 Sensory Deficits
Dec 25, 2015
Chapter 30 Sensory Deficits
Chapter 30 Sensory Deficits
Importance of Good Sensory FunctionImportance of Good Sensory Function
• Protection from harm
• Protection from falls from unseen obstacles
• Ability to hear alarms and warnings
• Recognition of hazardous substances by taste recognition
• Ability to detect the odor of smoke or gas
• Avoidance of skin breakdown
Factors Contributing to Sensory Problems of EldersFactors Contributing to Sensory Problems of Elders
• Alterations during the aging process
• Excessive use and abuse of certain medications
• The disease processes that affect all age groups
• Sensory deficits
• Increased vulnerability to accidents
• Social isolation
• Declining physical function
Facilitating Optimal Vision FunctioningFacilitating Optimal Vision Functioning
• Routine eye examinations by an ophthalmologist
• Prompt evaluation of symptoms:
– Burning or pain in the eye
– Blurred or double vision
– Redness of the conjunctiva
– Spots
– Headaches
Nutrients Beneficial to VisionNutrients Beneficial to Vision
• Zinc
• Selenium
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin E
• Riboflavin
• Ginkgo biloba
• Flavonoid
Preventing Hearing LossPreventing Hearing Loss
• Prompt and complete treatment of ear infections
• Prevention of trauma to the ear
• Removal of cerumen or particles
• Protection from exposure to loud noises
• Regular audiometric examinations
Cataracts Cataracts
• No associated discomfort or pain
• Vision is distorted, night vision is decreased, and objects appear blurred.
• Eventually lens opacity and vision loss are complete.
• Nuclear sclerosis develops.
• Surgery to remove lens is only cure.
Measures for Living with Visual Impairment from CataractsMeasures for Living with Visual Impairment from Cataracts
• Wear sunglasses in sunlight.
• Place sheer curtains over windows.
• Place furniture away from bright light.
• Use several soft lights instead of a single bright light source.
• Place items within the visual field of the unaffected eye.
Characteristics Associated with GlaucomaCharacteristics Associated with Glaucoma
• Increased size of the lens
• Iritis
• Allergy
• Endocrine imbalance
• Emotional instability
• Family history of this disorder
Cause and Symptoms of Acute Glaucoma (Closed-Angle)Cause and Symptoms of Acute Glaucoma (Closed-Angle)
• Cause
– Rapid increase in intraocular pressure
• Symptoms
– Severe eye pain
– Headache
– Nausea
– Vomiting
Symptoms of Chronic Glaucoma (Open-Angle)Symptoms of Chronic Glaucoma (Open-Angle)
• Tired feeling in eyes
• Headaches
• Misty vision
• Seeing halos around lights
Preventing Additional Damage Due to GlaucomaPreventing Additional Damage Due to Glaucoma
• Avoid any situation or activity that increases IOP.
• Instill miotics into the eye.
• Use administration technique called tear duct occlusion.
• Avoid administration of mydriatics, stimulants, and agents that elevate the blood pressure.
• Schedule periodic evaluations by an ophthalmologist.
Causes of Macular DegenerationCauses of Macular Degeneration
• Involves damage or breakdown of the macula
– Loss of central vision
• Most common form is involutional macular degeneration
– Associated with the aging process
• Other causes
– Injury
– Infection
– Exudative macular degeneration
Detached Retina Detached Retina
• Cause
– Forward displacement of retina from normal position
• Symptoms
– Perception of spots moving across eye
– Blurred vision
– Flashes of light
– Feeling of coating over eye
Measures Prescribed for Detached RetinaMeasures Prescribed for Detached Retina
• Bed rest
• Use of bilateral eye patches
• Surgery
– Electrodiathermy
– Cryosurgery
– Scleral buckling and photocoagulation
Causes of Corneal UlcersCauses of Corneal Ulcers
• Inflammation of the cornea, accompanied by a loss of substance due to:
– Febrile states
– Irritation
– Dietary deficiencies
– Lowered resistance
– Cerebrovascular accident
Symptoms of Corneal UlcersSymptoms of Corneal Ulcers
• Bloodshot appearance
• Increased lacrimation
• Pain and photophobia
Treatment of Corneal UlcersTreatment of Corneal Ulcers
• Seek early treatment for irritations
– Treat the underlying causes
• Cycloplegics
• Sedatives
• Antibiotics
• Heat
• Wearing sunglasses
• Corneal transplants
Causes of Hearing DeficitsCauses of Hearing Deficits
• Exposure to noise
• Certain drugs
• Certain diseases
• Psychogenic factors
• Vascular problems, viral infections, and presbycusis
• Otosclerosis
• Dermatoses, furunculosis, and cerumen impaction
Measures to Promote CommunicationMeasures to Promote Communication
• Talking into the less impaired ear.
• Facing the individual when talking.
• Using visual speech.
• Allowing the person to lip read.
• Using a stethoscope to amplify sounds.
• Using flash cards, work lists, and similar aids and devices.
Other Sensory DeficitsOther Sensory Deficits
• Taste
• Pain reception
• Olfaction
• Tactile sensation
Compensating for Sensory DeficitsCompensating for Sensory Deficits
• Provide sensory stimulation
– Variety of colors and flavors in diet
– Aromatherapy
– Wind chimes
– Different colors and textures in environment
SourceSource
• Eliopoulos, C. (2005). Gerontological Nursing, (6th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins (ISBN 0-7817-4428-8).