Question 1

During a home safety assessment,the nurse identifies a number of hazards.Of the following hazards that are noted by the nurse,which one represents the greatest risk for the patient with diabetic peripheral neuropathy?

Accepted Answer

Patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy have decreased sensation, making them more susceptible to burns from improper water heater settings.

Question 2

The patient was working in the kitchen and was splashed in the face with a caustic cleaning agent.His eyes were affected,and he was brought to the hospital for treatment.After cleansing and evaluation,his eyes were bandaged.How should the nurse assist this patient to eat during this temporary visual loss?

Accepted Answer

Orienting the patient to the location of the foods on the plate promotes independence and allows the patient to feed himself despite the temporary visual loss.

Question 3

A 79-year-old patient drives his car in the local areas near his home.Which of the following is the most appropriate driving tip that the nurse can give this patient?

Accepted Answer

Regular car maintenance is necessary to ensure safe driving, especially for older adults who may have decreased visual acuity and reaction time. This can help prevent accidents caused by mechanical failures. Going very slowly may actually be more dangerous as it can impede traffic and increase the risk of being rear-ended. Taking long road trips alone may not be safe for older adults who may experience fatigue or have medical emergencies while driving. Driving at night can also be challenging and risky for older adults due to decreased visibility and reaction time.

Question 4

Which of the following is an age-related change that affects the individual's hearing ability?

Accepted Answer

The decrease in the number of neurons and blood vessels within the inner ear is an age-related change that can affect an individual's hearing ability. This can result in a decline in the ability to perceive high-frequency sounds and difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments. The other options (A, B, and D) are not age-related changes that affect hearing ability.

Question 5

Which part of the ear is responsible for transmitting sound to the inner ear?

Accepted Answer

The middle ear, which includes the eardrum and three small bones (malleus, incus, and stapes), is responsible for transmitting sound vibrations from the outer ear to the inner ear (cochlea).

Question 6

During a community screening,the nurse informs a 50-year-old Black patient about the recommended frequency of eye examinations.How often does the nurse recommend that this patient have an eye examination?

Accepted Answer

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease should have a comprehensive eye exam at least every 1 to 2 years up to the age of 60, and then every year or two thereafter. Therefore, the nurse should recommend an eye examination every one to two years for the 50-year-old Black patient, unless they have any signs or risk factors for eye disease which would require more frequent examinations.

Question 7

The nurse recommends follow-up auditory testing for a child who was exposed in utero to which one of the following?

Accepted Answer

Rubella infection during pregnancy can cause congenital rubella syndrome, which can lead to hearing loss in the newborn. Follow-up auditory testing is recommended for babies born to mothers who had rubella during pregnancy.

Question 8

The patient is legally blind in both eyes.Which of the following statements is most appropriate for the nurse to make to the patient regarding providing the patient with assistance?

Accepted Answer

The most appropriate statement is to warn the patient of upcoming curbs or stairs, as it respects the patient's autonomy and provides necessary information for safe navigation.

Question 9

The nurse completes a safety assessment during a home visit to an older adult patient.Of the following observations made by the nurse,which one is of greatest concern for this patient who shows evidence of a sensory impairment?

Accepted Answer

The grey-black settings on the stove handles may be hard for an older adult with a sensory impairment to see, increasing the risk of burns or fires from the stove being left on unintentionally. This poses the greatest concern for the patient's safety. The low-pile carpeting, handrail on the stairs, and higher wattage lighting are all appropriate safety measures for an older adult with sensory impairments.

Question 10

The nurse teaches the patient that prolonged use of the antibiotic streptomycin may result in which one of the following outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged use of streptomycin can lead to damage to the auditory nerve, resulting in hearing loss or balance problems.

Question 11

Which normal physiological change in sensory function occurs with advancing age?

Accepted Answer

With age, there is a decrease in sensitivity to pain due to changes in nerve endings and structural changes in the spinal cord and brain.

Question 12

The nurse is working with a patient who has a moderate hearing impairment.Which of the following actions should the nurse take to promote communication with this patient?

Accepted Answer

Using visual aids such as the hands and eyes can help a patient with hearing impairment to better understand the communication. It is not necessary to use a louder tone of voice as this can distort speech and may not be helpful. Approaching a patient quietly from behind can startle them and may not be helpful. Selecting a public area for the conversation can make it more difficult for the patient to hear and focus on the conversation.

Question 13

Which of the following is a common progressive hearing disorder in older adults that results in the inability to hear high-pitched sounds?

Accepted Answer

Presbycusis is a common progressive hearing disorder in older adults that results in the inability to hear high-pitched sounds. Otosclerosis is a condition where abnormal bone growth causes hearing loss, while otitis media is an inflammation of the middle ear. Meniére's disease is a disorder of the inner ear that affects balance and hearing. None of these conditions specifically results in the inability to hear high-pitched sounds, which is a hallmark symptom of presbycusis.

Question 14

The family of an older adult patient asks the nurse how the stairways and hallways in the home can be enhanced to promote safety.In addition to extra lighting,the nurse recommends the use of which colours of paint and decorations?

Accepted Answer

Bright colors like red and yellow are more easily seen by older adults, especially those with visual impairments, and can help in enhancing safety by making stairways and hallways more visible.

Question 15

An older adult patient in a long-term care facility has visual and hearing losses.The nurse is alert to which of the following signs that represents the effects of sensory deprivation?

Accepted Answer

Altered spatial and time perception is a sign of sensory deprivation, as the patient may struggle to orient themselves in their environment and have difficulty with the passage of time. Diminished anxiety and decreased need for physical stimulation may be signs of sensory overload rather than deprivation. Improved task completion may not necessarily be related to sensory deprivation.

Question 16

The nurse in the pediatric clinic is checking the basic visual acuity of a 4-year-old child.What should the nurse ask the child to do as part of this assessment?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse in the pediatric clinic is...

Question 17

Which of the following is an age-related change that affects visual ability?

Accepted Answer

As we age, the muscles that control the pupil size weaken. This results in a decreased ability of the pupil to dilate or constrict in response to changes in lighting, which can lead to difficulty seeing in dimly lit environments.

Question 18

Which of the following is an affective effect of sensory deprivation?

Accepted Answer

Sensory deprivation can lead to affective effects such as boredom due to the lack of external stimuli and engagement.

Question 19

A patient has hyperesthesia apparently associated with a neurological trauma.Which one of the following is an appropriate nursing intervention in regard to the patient's sense of touch?

Accepted Answer

Hyperesthesia is an increased sensitivity to touch, which can be extremely uncomfortable for the patient. To minimize this discomfort, the patient should be kept loosely covered with sheets and blankets to reduce tactile stimulation. Option A may exacerbate the symptoms, while option C is not appropriate as the patient may still experience discomfort even when lying still. Option D is not specific enough and requires further clarification on what type of touch therapy would be appropriate for the patient's condition.

Question 20

The nurse is working with older adult patients in an extended care facility.Which of the following actions should the nurse take to enhance the patients' sense of taste?

Accepted Answer

Assisting with oral hygiene can help to remove any debris or bacteria buildup in the mouth that may be affecting the patient's ability to taste. Mixing foods together or providing foods of similar texture and consistency may actually decrease the patient's enjoyment of different flavors and textures. Making foods extremely spicy may not be appropriate for all patients and may actually be aversive to some.

Quiz 47: Sensory Alterations