alannah t. atencia.2

8/8/2019 alannah t. atencia.2

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ABSTRACT

Defined as a BCVA that can range from 20/400to no light perception (NLP).

The clinical definition of absolute blindness is the

absence of light perception. To face an hospitalization is not easy task andwhen the patient is a blind person it becomes stillmore complex, because the lack of the vision delaysthe persons adaptation.

The nursing team works with the patient and needsfor after support on the moment of crisis. Thenurse, as boss of the nursing team, needs to bequalified for intervening.


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Put everything back in the same place after cleaning. Ifyou have someone help you clean, make sure they areadvised to do the same.

Keep everything on a blind persons desk exactly wherehe or she left it. This applies to raille paper, CDs, radios,

telephones and computeraccessories. Try to keep all hallway and cabinet doors closed. Warnthe blind person if you plan to have a particular door openfor a prolonged period.

Keep restocking supplies of anything the blind personuses regularly. This includes food and drink, bathroomitems and paper towels.


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Take out the trash regularly. Check for foodthat has been accidentally dropped on the flooror not returned to the refrigerator.

Remember to turn off the lights before you leave,

particularly if you are a part-time caretaker. Mostblind people have limited incomes. Help the blind person have a list of important

phone numbers, account numbers and any otherpersonal information they might need to accesswhen you are not available.


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Tips & Warnings

Some blind people have problems openingdoors with keys. You can buy a lock that

requires both a matching fingerprint and acode for entry. It also comes with a standardkey as insurance should it stop functioning.

Keep all sharp objects like knives or scissorsout of reach.


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Leave some room at the top of glasses and cups ifyou get a drink for a blind person. This will helpavoid spills.

Close cupboards and drawers that dont need tobe open. This will help avoid collisions caused bymiscommunication.

Use the clock method of describing the relative

positions of things. Direct the blind person to thethings they may be looking for by telling them, forexample, Your slippers are at two oclock.

Purchase special merchandise geared specificallyto the needs of the blind and visually impaired. TheNational Association for the VisuallyHandicapped has an excellent online store whereitems can be purchased


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Nursing Interventions For a Blind

Patient Patients who have difficulty seeing or who

cannot see at all face challenges in a new andunfamiliar setting, such as a hospital. Nursescan implement certain nursing interventionsto help the blind patient adjust to and copewith their stay in the hospital.


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NURSING

MANAGEMENT Coping with blindness involves three typesof adaptation:

Emotional, physical, and social. Theemotional adjustment to blindness or severevisual impairment determines the success ofthe physical and social adjustments of the

patient. Successful emotional adjustmentmeans acceptance of blindness or severevisual impairment.


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Guidelines For Interaction With

People Who Are Blind OrH

ave ALow Vision


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Announce your presence once you step into

a blind patients room. Let them him or herknow your name, title and purpose for beingin the room.

Orient the blind patient to his newenvironment. Lead your patient around theroom, let him feel where the bed, bathroom,call bell, chairs , tables and other things in theroom are. This way he can move around theroom without assistance.


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Explain the positioning of his food by using a clock facesimulation. If your patient is having eggs and toast, tell himthe eggs are at 12 oclock which means top of the plat andthat the toast is at 6 o clock which means bottom of theplate. Your patient can then eat with a knowledge of whathe has on his plate and where they are located.

Walk with a blind patient when you have to lead him out ofhis room and to another location. Let your patient hold yourarm above your elbow. Stand to your patients side and notdirectly in front of him. When you get to turns or areas thatrequire stepping down such as stairs, let your patient know.

Remember that the only difference between you and peoplewho are blind or have a low vision is that they are not able tosee through their eyes what you are able to see through

yours.


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Do not be uncomfortable when in the company of aperson who is blind or has low vision. Talk with theperson as you would talk with any other individual,honestly and without pity; do not be concernedabout using words like see and look. There isno need to raise your voice unless the person asks

you to do so. Identify yourself as you approach the person andbefore you make physical contact. Tell the person

your name and your role. If another personapproaches, introduce him or her. When you are

leaving and if anyone else remains in the room. It is often appropriate to touch the persons handor arm lightly to indicate that you are about tospeak.


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When talking, face the person and speak directly to

him or her using a normal tone of voice. Be specific when communication direction. Usespecific words such as. left about 20 feet, orright two yads, use clock cues, such as, the dooris at 10 oclock.

When you offer to assist someone, allow theperson to hold onto your arm just above the elbowand to walk a half-step behind you.

When offering the person a seat, place the

persons hand on the back or the arm of the seat. When you are about to go p or down a flight ofstairs, tell the person and place his or her hand onthe banister.


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Make sure that the environment is free of

obstacles; close doors and cabinets so theyare not in the path. Offer to read written information, such aas a

menu If you serve food to the personm use clockcues to specify where everything is on the

plate. When the person who is blind or who has lowvision is a patient in a health care facility:


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Make sure all objects that the person may need(eg, the call light is near your right hand.; thetelephone is on the table on the left side or yourbed.)

Remove obstacles that may be in the personspathway and could cause a fall.

Place all assistive devices the person uses close athand; let the person feel the devices so that he orshe knows their location.

Never pet or otherwise distract a canine

companion or service animal unless the owner hasgiven you permission. Ask the personHow can I help you? at some

times the person needs help, but at other times help

may not be needed.


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END

alannah t. atencia.2

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