2800 Exam Four Flashcards
(287 cards)
Total blindness
absence of all sight
legal blindness
central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in better eye with correction
OR very narrow peripheral vision field (20 degrees or less)
severe visual impairment
being unable to read newsprint even with correction
what is almost all blindness in the US caused by?
common eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or age related macular degeneration
what are nursing interventions to protect vision?
regular hand washing screening and early detection sunglasses regular eye exams for diabetics proper nutrition eye protection during hazardous activities
what is the “sighted guide technique”?
the guiding person stands to the side and slightly in front of the visually impaired person, who is holding onto the guide’s elbow
what are some ways to help clients adjust to decreased vision?
have corrective devices clean and available use large print books or magazines provide good lighting uncluttered/safe environment have things within reach introduce yourself speak before touching the client describe things and explain sounds
what can vision problems lead to in older adults?
loss of freedom, functional ability, or self esteem
disorientation
confusion
social isolation
what is conductive hearing loss?
hearing loss caused by problems in the outer or middle ear
what are some common causes of conductive hearing loss?
otitis media
earwax accumulation
foreign bodies in the ear
what is sensorineural hearing loss?
impairment of inner ear function or vestibulocochlear nerve damage
what are some common causes of sensorineural hearing loss?
noise genetics nerve damage ototoxicity tympanic membrane trauma
what are some assessment findings/manifestations for hearing loss?
not responding when spoken to answering questions inappropriately asking people to speak up/repeat things reading lips straining to hear impacted social/familial relationships
what are some nursing interventions to prevent hearing loss?
control environmental noise use ear protection MMR immunization avoidance/proper use of ototoxic medications (chemo, loop diuretics, mercury) hearing screenings
what are some good practices when communicating with a hearing impaired client?
use hand movements have face in good light speak into patient's good ear lower tone of voice minimize distractions speak normally and slowly dont over-enunciate write out hard words rephrase if necessary
how can the nurse help a client adapt to using a hearing aid?
make sure it’s properly fitted
determine the patient’s readiness to use it
educate on care and use
have them start using it in a quiet environment to get used to it
how do we care for hearing aids?
clean ear and hearing aid regularly make sure battery works protect it from heat and chemicals store in a cool dry place disconnect battery when hearing aid not in ear
what intervention will help if a whistling or ringing is coming from the hearing aid?
reposition in the patient’s ear and adjust the volume level
what is dementia?
a neurocognitive disorder characterized by dysfunction or loss of memory, orientation, language, judgment, and reasoning
what is the most common type of dementia?
alzheimers
what are general assessment findings with any type of dementia?
memory loss disorientation problems with words and numbers decreased judgment mood and behavior changes personality changes
what is alzheimers disease?
the most common form of dementia. it’s a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative brain disease
what are some early manifestations of Alzheimer’s?
getting lost in familiar areas memory loss time and place disorientation problems with calculations problems with familiar tasks language issues behavior/personality changes
How do memory issues often manifest in alzheimers?
short term memory problems first