NURSING CARE RELATED TO THE SENSORY AND
NEUROLOGICAL SYSTEMS
1-23
1-23. NURSING CARE OF THE PATIENT WITH VISION LOSS
a. Physical Orientation. To prevent injury and encourage independence, the patient with vision loss should receive a thorough orientation to his surroundings.
(1) Describe the room and its contents in detail, so that the patient can form a mental image of his room.
(2) Lead the patient around the room, letting him feel the furniture, windows, and doorways. (3) Orient the patient to any personnel that may be expected to enter his room. For example, housekeeping personnel or laboratory technicians.
(4) Familiarize the patient with the sounds of his environment. Explain the source of those he is unfamiliar with. Remember, a patient with vision loss depends heavily on his hearing for environmental cues and orientation.
(5) Orient the patient to things around him by comparing their location to the numbers on the face of a clock, with the patient located in the center of the clock.
(a) When describing his room, identify locations by clock reference. For example, the bathroom door is at 2 o'clock and the door to the hallway is at 9 o'clock.
(b) When describing the food on his plate, identify the location of the food items by clock reference. For example, the potatoes are at 12 o'clock, the green beans are at 3 o'clock, the roast beef is at 6 o'clock, and the biscuit is at 9 o'clock.
b. Precautions. To protect the patient from accidental injury, follow these guidelines.
(1) Inform the patient when something in his room has been moved or is different from usual.
(2) Keep doors completely opened or completely closed. This will prevent walking into a partially opened door.
(3) Keep toilet articles in the location the patient places them. Do not move them without telling the patient.
(4) Remove hazardous items such as light cords, small trash cans, and other items that the patient could trip over.
c. Assisting the Patient.
(1) Always address the patient by name when entering his area.
(2) Always let the patient know when you are leaving his area.
(3) When walking with the patient, do not hold him or walk behind him and push him along. Allow the patient to place his hand on your arm or shoulder and walk beside you.
(4) Encourage the patient to be independent and self-sufficient.
