VISUAL IMPAIRMENT- NURSE'S ROLE
DEFINITION
Visual impairment or vision impairment is vision loss that constitutes a significant limitation of visual capability resulting from disease, trauma or a congenital or degenerative condition that cannot be corrected by conventional means, including refractive correction, medication or surgery.
CARE OF A PATIENT WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT
- Encourage the use of visual aids
- Promote the use of other senses a Communicate effectively
- Ensure client safety
VISUAL AIDS
- Eye glasses of the correct prescription, clean and in good condition
- Adequate room lighting
- Sunglasses or shades on windows to reduce glare
- Bright contrasting colors in the environment
- Magnifying glasses
- Phone dialer with large number
- Clock and wristwatch with large numbers
- Color code or textures code on stoves, washer, medicine container and so on
- Colored on raised rims on dishes
- Reading material with large print
- Braille or recorded books
PROMOTING THE USE OF OTHER SENSES
Teach the client to use other senses to supplement the lost
e.g. ; stimulation of hearing, taste, smell and touch
Stimulating the senses :Teaching patients
- Surround yourself with different colors and with an environment that changes
- Develop a sensitivity to changes in nature e.g., dawn to night cycle
- Use visual devices to keep oriented e.g. watches ,television
- Use cross work puzzles and games to stimulate mental activities
- Create favorite scenes in mind ,paying attention to tiny details
COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY
- Always announce your presence when entering the client's room and identify yourself by name
- Stay in the client field of vision if the client has a partial vision loss
- Speak in a normal tone of voice
- Always explain what you are about to do before touching the patient
- Explain the sounds in the environment Indicate when the conversation has ended and when you are leaving the room
ENSURE CLIENT SAFETY
- Orient the to the arrangement of room
- Keep pathways clear and do riot re arrange furniture without orienting the client.
- Organize self care articles within the client reach and orient the client tö his or her location
- Keep the call light or bell within easy reach of the person and place the bed in the low position
- Assist with ambulation by walking slightly ahead of the person allowing the person to grasp your arm
COMMENTS