hearing impairment caused by interference with sound or vibratory energy in the external canal, middle ear, or ossicles
in order to enhance communication with a pt who has moderate hearing loss the nurse should?
a. speak as loudly as possible
b. discuss only simply, unambiguous topics
c. ensure the pt can see the nurse's mouth
d. use writing as the sole means of communication
c. make sure the pt can see the nurses mouth
cerumen impaction:
buildup of ear wax blocking ear canal --> can be removed
how can cerumen be removed
irrigation, suction, or instrumentation
how are foreign bodies removed in the ear?
same way as cerumen
tympanic perforation
tear of hole in the eardrum
what causes tympanic perforation
infection or trauma
what sound does a tympanic perforation make
whistling sounds when you sneeze and blow your nose.
symptoms from tympanic perforation
pain, < hearing, purulent drainage
tympanoplasty
surgical repair of the eardrum
otosclerosis
hearing loss that results from the formation of new, abnormal spongy bone that impairs the functioning of the stapes
options to help otosclerosis
only surgical: stapedectomy or stapedotomy
vertigo
the sensation of dizziness
nystagmus
Involuntary rapid eye movements
is vertigo an issue with the middle or inner ear?
inner ear
is nystagmus a middle or inner ear issue?
inner ear
menière disease
chronic disease of the inner ear characterized by dizziness, ringing in the ear, and hearing loss
what causes meniere disease
changes in pressure within the inner ear or mixing of inner ear fluids
how can we treat pts with meniere disease
diet and medication
what meds would we prescribe someone with meniere disease?
antihistamines, tranquilizers, antiemetics, or surgery
true or false: a pt with meniere disease should be counseled to avoid high-salt foods and caffeine
TRUE: low sodium diet, NO alcohol or caffeine
is vertigo an issue with the middle or inner ear?
inner ear
tinnitus
ringing in the ears
what is tinnitus caused by
underlying disorder of the ear associated with hearing loss
benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
brief period of incapacitating vertigo that occurs when the position of the patient's head is changed
ototoxicity
result of medications that have adverse effects of the cochlea, vestibular apparatus, or cranial nerve VIII
acoustic neuroma
slow growing benign tumor of cranial nerve VIII
a nurse should be aware of potential ototoxicity when administering which of the following medications
a. amino glycoside antibiotics
b. alpha-adrenergic blockers
c. anti fungal meds
d. opioid analgesics
amino glycoside antibiotics
gentamicin are some of the most ototoxic drugs
myopia
nearsightedness - distant vision is blurred
hyperopia
farsightedness - near vision is blurred
astigmatism
irregularity of the curve of the cornea
blindness
20/400 to no light perception
true or false: typically an individual who becomes suddenly blind adapts to his or her new circumstances more easily than someone who loses vision gradually
false: pts with progressive eye disorders develop coping and management techniques over time
glaucoma
group of ocular conditions characterized by optic nerve damage related to intraocular pressure (IOP)
open-angle glaucoma
the most common form of glaucoma, where the trabecular meshwork gradually becomes blocked, causing a buildup of pressure
angle-closure glaucoma
Rapid onset of elevated IOP
cataracts
clouding of the lens
nurse is teaching a group of older adults about cataracts what teaching point should the nurse include in this health education?
eye surgery is the most effective treatment for cataracts
retinal detachment
separation of the retinal pigment epithelium from the sensory layer
macular degeneration
tiny, yellowish spots called druse beneath the retina
two types of age-related macular degeneration
dry and wet
orbital trauma is used associated with
head injury
conjunctivitis
inflammation of the conjunctiva
major causes of conjunctivitis
infection, allergy, and irritating toxic stimuli
true or false: preventing the spread of conjunctivitis can often be accomplished by promoting hand washing
true
enucleation
removal of entire eye and part of the optic nerve
evisceration
surgical removal of the intraocular contents
exenteration
The removal of the eyelids, the eye, and various amounts of orbital contents
common meds with eyes are
topic anesthetics, mydriatics, and cycloplegia agents
when administering a topical ocular medication to a pt the nurse should
position the pt's head in a supine position
stress
non-specific response of the body to any demand for change
acute stress
results from daily life encounters: flight or fight response
chronic stress
sustained response or repeated event that eventually impedes coping
coping
process of applying thoughts and actions to deal with stressful events
â˘Women
â˘Trauma
â˘Genetics
â˘Other mental illness
â˘Worse with substance Abuse
30-44 years old
mild anxiety symptoms
Restlessness, increased motivation, irritability
moderate anxiety symptoms
agitation, muscle tightness
severe anxiety symptoms
inability to function, ritualistic behavior, unresponsive
panic attacks
15-30 minutes
palpitations
SOB
choking
chest pain
Nausea
social phobia
fear of embarrassment, dread of social situations, feels judged
agoraphobia
avoids being outside
specific phobias
fear of objects or specific situations or events
hoarding
collecting and putting things away in a guarded manner
sensory perception
ability to receive sensory input and translate it into meaningful info
sensation
the process by which our sensory receptors and nervous system receive and represent stimulus energies from our environment
perception
the process of organizing and interpreting sensory information, enabling us to recognize meaningful objects and events
presbycusis
age related hearing loss
ototoxicity
Toxicity to the ears, often drug induced and manifesting as varying degrees of hearing loss that is likely to be permanent.
paresthesia
abnormal sensation
5 senses
Sight, hearing, touch, smell, taste
what is the largest population at risk for impaired sensory perception
elderly population
what is a test we do for balance
Romberg
what is Romberg test
Tests the client's equilibrium, client stands with feet together and arms at sides eyes open and then closed. Client should be able to maintain the position for 20 secs with minimal or no swaying
monofilament testing
Testing for lower extremity sensation
Diabetic neuropathy screen
LEAP program
what do we use for newborn's eyes to prevent infection
erythromycin
what age do vision and hearing screenings occur
around 2-2.5 years old
how often do you check someone's vision or hearing