CH 43 Sensory Disorders

Sensory Disorders Information

Definitions Sensation- Ability to receive & process stimuli through
sensory organs
Perception: Ability to experience, recognize, organize
& interpret sensory stimuli
Sensory Perception: ability to receive sensory
impressions & relate the stimuli to past experiences.
Anatomy & Physiology *Nervous System: 12 Cranial nerves & 31 Spinal nerves.
Components of Cognition:
Consciousness: awareness (verbal & tactile).
Consciousness may be altered by drugs, trauma, &
metabolic factors.
Arousal: State of wakefulness & alertness.
Memory: IMMEDIATE (retention of information for a
specific & short period of time). RECENT (Ability to
recall events from the past 24 hours). REMOTE
(Retention of experiences that occurred earlier in life
such as childhood). ** Remote memory is accurately
assessed ONLY when patient responses about past
events can be validated, either by others or written
account.
Affect: expression of mood or feeling, (mood can affect
ones thinking ability).
Judgment: ability to compare or evaluate alternatives
to come to a conclusion, based on reasoning &
supported by evidence.
Perception: Individuals awareness of reality. ILLUSION
(Inaccurate perception). HALLUCINATION (not based
on reality). DISOREINTATION (mentally confused
state).
CH 43 Sensory Disorders

Language: Spoken words, reading, writing, &
comprehension. *Most complex cognitive function.

Assessment *Senses protect us from danger & keep us safe.
5 SENSES:
Hear (Auditory)
Sight (Visual)
Smell (Olfactory)
Taste (Gustatory)
Touch (Tactile)



Sensory Deficit
(Change in perception of sensory
stimuli)
This affects all 5 senses. Examples are hearing or vision loss. Deficits can occur over time
as someone ages, or can occur suddenly & without warning. Patient must be able to
accommodate to the changes and compensate for it by strengthening one or more
senses.
Sensory Deprivation
(Reduced sensory input from
internal or external environment)
This can be a result of illness, trauma, or isolation. Individuals who are sensatory
deprived may exhibit: poor concentration, poor memory, confusion, impaired problem
solving, depression, irritability & boredom.
Taste Gustation. Taste sensations are altered secondary to neurological disorders or trauma.
Medication, antibiotics, & smoking can decrease taste. **Bitterness declines with age but
sweetness stays. Tastes are: Sweet, Salty, Bitterness, & Sour.
Smell Olfaction. Guardian from danger. Receptors for sense smell are located in the roof of the
nasal cavity. If these cells are damaged then the sense of smell is impaired. The body
cannot regenerate olfactory cells.
Touch Tactile. Cutaneous sensations of touch: pressure, vibration, cold, heat, and pain. Patients
with reduced or lost tactile sensation are at risk for decubitus ulcers. Reposition patient
Q2 hours.