Cataracts
1. Describe the pathophysiology of cataracts.
Stages
Opacity of the lens
2. Describe the signs and symptoms of persons experiencing cataracts
Blurred vision
Decreased color perception
Photophobia
Glare in bright light
Cloudy lens
3. Describe the causes of cataracts.
Aging
Trauma
Toxic substance exposure including ultraviolet light
Diabetes
Smoking
4. Describe common medical interventions for cataracts.
ECCE
ICCE
Touch ups
5. Describe nursing interventions for a patient undergoing cataract surgery.
Pre- and post-operative care
Home care instructions
Glaucoma 6. Describe the pathophysiology of glaucoma.
Open Angle
Closed Angle
7. Describe the surgical intervention, preoperative and postoperative care for patients undergoing ophthalmological surgery.
Glaucoma
Post-op complications
8. Summarize the action and uses of drug therapy for treating problems of the eyes and ears.
Glaucoma: β-Adrenergic Blockers, α-Adrenergic Agonists, Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors
9. Discuss factors affecting adherence to medication regimen.
Physiological
Psychosocial
10. Identify potential problems/nursing diagnoses related to visual impairment.
Decreased mobility
Loss of vision
Injury
Self-care deficit
Sleep pattern disturbance
Social isolation
Decreased self-esteem
Powerlessness
Body image disturbance
11. Describe nursing interventions to assist patients with impaired vision.
Prevention
Care of Eyes
Referral to community resources: MAB and CNIB
Hearing Impairment12. Describe signs and symptoms associated with hearing loss in the elderly.
Faulty speech
Inattentiveness, withdrawal
Tinnitus
Noise intolerance
Vertigo
Decreased speech perception
High tone hearing loss
13. Discuss contributing causes to hearing impairment.
Aging process
Diseases
Infection
Foreign objects
Prolonged exposure to noise
Medications
14.. Discuss potential problems related to hearing impairment.
Altered communication
Isolation
Safety issues
Dependency
15. Describe nursing interventions to assist the hearing impaired.
Quiet environment, good lighting
Position, speak slowly, voice tone/pitch
Health teaching re: hearing aids, including use of and maintenance
Refer to community resources