Human Senses Quiz

Sensory System

• The five senses include sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch
• Taste receptors are located in taste buds on the tongue
• Smell receptors are located in the nose
• Touch receptors are found in the dermis, especially on lips, toes, and fingertips

Hearing and Vision Disorders

• Hearing and vision are important for communication, learning, moving, safety, and balance
• Common causes of hearing and vision loss include birth defects, accidents, diseases, and aging
• Many individuals experience some degree of hearing or vision loss

Tinnitus

• Tinnitus is the perception of noise, ringing, or buzzing in the ears
• It is a symptom, not a condition itself
• Potential causes include age-related hearing loss, ear injury, or circulatory system disorders
• It is usually not serious, but can worsen with age
• Treatment can improve tinnitus for many people

Meniere's Disease

• Meniere's disease is a disorder of the inner ear, potentially causing vertigo and hearing loss.
• Fluid buildup in the inner ear is a contributing factor
• Typically affects one ear
• Symptoms include vertigo (dizziness), tinnitus, hearing loss, and pain/pressure in the affected ear
• Severe dizziness can cause nausea and vomiting
• Falls are a major concern; safety is needed during vertigo episodes

Presbycusis

• Gradual hearing loss associated with aging
• Typically begins after age 50
• Currently, there is no cure
• Hearing aids and speech reading (lip reading) can be beneficial

Effects of Hearing Impairment

• Hearing loss can impact physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual health
• Difficulty with hearing can lead to challenges in speech
• Slurred speech, mispronounced words, monotone speech, or difficulty with understanding can develop from hearing loss.
• Behavior changes, including speaking too loudly, leaning toward the speaker, or cupping the unaffected ear, might indicate hearing problems

Hearing Aids

• Hearing aids are electronic devices placed inside or behind the ear that enhance sound
• They increase the volume of sounds but don't correct or cure hearing loss
• For troubleshooting, check the device's on/off switch, ensure battery placement is correct, and replace batteries as needed.

Care of Hearing Aids

• Handle hearing aids with care due to their expense
• Inspect for damage, cracks, or clogs
• Correctly insert the hearing aid to avoid causing it to fall out; correctly applying the aid is important
• Keep hearing aids in a dry environment and avoid getting them wet
• Do not use hearing aids when showering.
• Report any missing or damaged aids

Caring for Clients with Hearing Impairment

• Some clients wear hearing aids and others do not
• Learning sign language may be beneficial for some clients
• Encouraging client socialization can prevent isolation
• Safety concerns are increased for clients with hearing loss; ensuring safety at all times is essential

Eye Disorders and Vision Impairment

• Vision problems can range from mild vision loss to complete blindness
• Problems with vision can either occur suddenly or gradually (over time)
• One or both eyes can be affected by vision loss
• A person is legally blind if their vision at 6 meters (20 feet) is comparable to a person with normal vision at 60 meters (200 feet).
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is a highly contagious inflammation of the eye's membrane.

Diabetic Retinopathy

• Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that damages tiny blood vessels in the retina.
• This condition usually affects both eyes.
• Anyone with diabetes is at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy
• Blood leakage from damaged vessels can lead to scar tissue formation which pulls the retina away from its position, potentially causing vision loss

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

• AMD (or ARMD) is a condition that causes central vision blurriness.
• It affects the macula, a crucial part of the retina
• It's typically a progressive condition with gradual onset.
• AMD is a common cause of vision loss in older adults, and is one of the leading causes of blindness in people over 55.
• There is currently no known cure for AMD

Glaucoma

• Glaucoma is an eye disease caused by pressure buildup within the eye, potentially damaging the optic nerve
• Vision loss, sometimes leading to blindness, is a possible outcome.
• Glaucoma usually has a gradual onset, although sometimes a sudden onset occurs
• Vision loss often affects the peripheral (side) vision first, and can progress to tunnel vision.
• Medications and/or surgery are often used to control glaucoma and prevent further damage.

Cataracts

• Cataracts are clouding of the lens within the eye impacting how light enters the eye; this causes blurred vision
• They can affect one or both eyes
• Symptoms may include sensitivity to light, cloudy vision, and blurry vision.
• Surgery is typically the only treatment for cataracts

Presbyopia

• Presbyopia is a gradual inability to focus on close objects.
• It is common in older people due to aging process
• Usually starts after age 40
• Corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses, can effectively treat presbyopia

Effects of Vision Impairment

• Vision loss impacts various aspects of an individual's life, such as social interactions, independent living, and daily activities.
• Individuals with vision loss may learn alternative ways to perform daily tasks, adapt techniques for reading, and develop new coping strategies.
• Guide dogs and white canes with red tips widely aid in vision impairment. Resources like the Canadian National Institute for the Blind provide support and resources.

Aids for Vision Problems

• Eyeglasses can correct vision impairment
• Plastic lenses can easily be scratched, thus requiring special cleaning, whereas hard/soft contact lenses require proper cleaning, soaking, and appropriate usage

Aids for Reading

• Braille is a tactile reading and writing system utilizing raised dots
• Communication aids include large-print materials like clocks and cards
• Medical devices, like talking prescription devices, can support individuals with vision loss

Caring for Clients With Vision Loss

• Enhance physical senses like hearing, touch, taste, and smell to adapt to vision loss; this may lead to increased sensitivity to sounds.
• Clients need to be alert to their presence and surroundings
• Direct clients toward objects and/or obstacles ahead.
• Provide information about the environment to prevent injuries, and keep the environment free of clutter
• Refer to specific guidelines/resources, as needed

Dying Client's Physical Needs

• Vision loss, speech difficulties, and hearing loss are common signs of physical decline in dying clients; these changes affect communication and interaction.
• Body temperature (skin coolness, pallor, mottling) are physical changes to monitor during end-of-life care
• Always assume client can hear; prioritize the client's needs.
• Maintain comfort, provide necessary pain management, and ensure comfort with positioning