Sensory Perception Lecture by Sharon Celestine

Student Learning Outcomes

• Explain common causes and effects of sensory alteration.
• Discuss sensory perceptual changes with aging.
• Outline ways to maintain a safe environment for patients with sensory deficits.
• Differentiate presbyopia, myopia, cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
• Use health-related language in appropriate contexts.
• Utilize nursing process in planning care for patients with sensory perceptual alteration.

Sensory Perception

• Definition: Understanding gained through senses (sight, taste, touch, hearing, smell).
• Process:
  • Begins with stimulation of a sense organ.
  • Includes sensory reception (receiving stimuli) vs. sensory perception (awareness and interpretation in the brain).

Normal Sensory Perception

• Memory plays a role:
  • Sensory information passes to short-term and possibly long-term memory.
• Types:
  • Iconic Memory (Visual)
  • Echoic Memory (Sound)

Alterations in Sensory Perception

• Causes: Aging, genetics, illness, lifestyle, sensory overload/deprivation, pharmacological.
• Aging Effects on Eyes:
  • Iris accommodation decreases.
  • Pupil reaction less brisk.
  • Peripheral vision diminishes.
  • Visual changes due to lens elasticity.

Nursing Process in Sensory Perception

• Assessment: Observation, interview, mental status exam, risk factors, physical exam.
• Diagnosis: Related to safety, cognition, communication, etc.
• Planning: Goals for prevention, education on chronic diseases, safety measures.
• Implementation/Interventions:
  • Independent: Assess understanding, promote safety, educate.
  • Collaborative: Medical management, administer meds, assist with devices.
• Evaluation: Assess if interventions meet patient goals.

Patient Teaching & Interventions

• Routine Screenings:
  • Eye exams every 2-3 years (40+), 1-2 years if family history of glaucoma, annually if other comorbidities.
  • Audiology exams every 10 years and PRN.
• Nursing Interventions:
  • Announce presence, use warm tone, explain procedures.
  • Validate communication understanding.

Common Sensory Alterations

• Myopia:
  • Nearsightedness; clear close objects, blurred far.
  • Caused by long eyeball or curved cornea.
• Presbyopia:
  • Age-related farsightedness, noticeable in 40s.
  • Corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
• Cataracts:
  • Cloudy lens, blurry vision.
  • Surgery can replace cloudy lens.
  • Post-op care: Light activity, eye protection, no makeup or swimming.
• Glaucoma:
  • "Silent thief" of vision, nerve damage from high eye pressure.
  • Symptoms: Vision loss, eye pain, nausea.
  • Treatments: Eye drops, medication, surgery.
• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD):
  • Leading cause of blindness in 60+.
  • Loss of central vision, peripheral remains normal.

Conclusion

• Understanding sensory perception is crucial for effective nursing care and patient safety.
• Presented by Sharon Celestine, Clinical Instructor at Delado Community College.