Chapter 49: Sensory Alterations and Patient Care

Sensory Alterations and Patient Care systematically differentiates between the three primary types of sensory alterations: sensory deficits, where normal function in reception or perception is impaired; sensory deprivation, resulting from inadequate quality or quantity of stimulation; and sensory overload, which occurs when a person receives excessive stimuli and cannot selectively ignore them. The content analyzes biological and environmental factors influencing sensory function, with a specific focus on age-related changes such as presbyopia, presbycusis, xerostomia, and proprioceptive decline in older adults. A detailed breakdown of the nursing process is provided, emphasizing the assessment of visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, and gustatory outcomes, alongside the evaluation of mental status and functional ability to perform activities of daily living. The chapter highlights the critical role of clinical judgment in identifying nursing diagnoses, particularly Risk for Injury and Risk for Falls, by assessing home environment hazards like poor lighting and clutter. Therapeutic interventions are outlined for managing specific conditions including cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and peripheral neuropathy. Furthermore, the text covers essential communication strategies for patients with aphasia—categorized as expressive, receptive, and global—and those utilizing artificial airways. The discussion extends to health promotion through routine screenings and the use of assistive devices like hearing aids and corrective lenses. Finally, it addresses acute care considerations such as reorientation and controlling environmental stimuli, as well as restorative care aimed at maintaining healthy lifestyles, socialization, and adapting the home environment to ensure patient safety and independence.