Cognition and Sensory Flashcards
(26 cards)
What is a sensory deficit?
Blindness, deafness, loss of sense
Define sensory deprivation.
Decreased stimuli
Sensory deprivation can lead to various psychological effects.
What is sensory overload?
Too much sensory input
Sensory overload can result in fatigue and irritability.
What are some strategies for communicating with a hearing-impaired person?
Use a lower pitch voice, decrease sounds, use hearing aids
These strategies help improve communication effectiveness.
What is presbycusis?
Losing hearing as you age
Presbycusis is a common form of hearing loss in older adults.
Cerumen accumulation
too much earwax
How should you interact with a visually impaired person?
Call them by their name, introduce yourself, don’t rearrange their room, speak before touching them, describe their meal tray
These practices ensure respect and aid in their orientation.
What is a cataract?
Cloudy eye
Cataracts can impair vision and are often treated surgically.
What is glaucoma?
Increased pressure in the eye
Glaucoma can lead to vision loss if not treated.
What is macular degeneration?
Loss of central vision while peripheral vision remains
This condition affects the retina and can severely impact daily activities.
What is diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetes-related eye damage
It can lead to vision impairment and blindness if not managed properly.
What is receptive aphasia?
Inability to understand speech but can speak
This condition affects communication and comprehension.
What is expressive aphasia?
Can understand speech but cannot talk
Patients may struggle to form words despite knowing what they want to say.
What are some effective communication strategies for individuals with aphasia?
Ask short questions, speak clearly and slowly, give time to answer, use picture charts
These strategies can facilitate better understanding.
What are the cognitive functions involved in cognition?
Thinking, memory, reasoning
What can cause acute confusion?
infections, medications, drugs
What is dementia?
Irreversible, chronic confusion
Dementia is a symptom of various diseases affecting memory and cognition.
What are some common types of dementia?
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Stroke
- Parkinson’s disease
Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia.
What are some assessment strategies for cognitive impairment?
Assess level of consciousness, ask long-term and short-term questions
Regular assessments help monitor cognitive changes.
What are some signs of depression?
- Loss of interest
- Sadness
- Insomnia
- Oversleeping
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Thoughts of suicide
What should caregivers be aware of when dealing with Alzheimer’s patients?
Watch for safety, validate their feelings
What is polypharmacy?
Taking multiple medications
Polypharmacy can lead to increased risk of drug interactions and side effects.
What is sundowning?
Increased confusion and agitation in the evening
It is commonly observed in individuals with dementia.
What is an example of support for caregivers?
Adult daycare or respite care
These services provide caregivers with time to relax and recharge.
