Sensory/Perceptual Alterations

A disruption in a client’s cognitive processes can lead to faulty interpretations of their surroundings.

Alterations in sensory perception, or altered thought processes, affect a client’s ability to function within his or her environment, which may place the client at risk for harm. You should assist the client to function safely in health care settings.

Some factors that influence sensory function include developmental stage, culture, stress, medications, illness, lifestyle, and personality.

You need to identify clients at risk for sensory/perceptual alterations so you can initiate preventive measures. Examples of clients at risk include those who:

• are confined in a non-stimulating environment.
• have impaired vision or hearing.
• have mobility restrictions.
• have emotional disorders.
• have limited social contact.
• are experiencing pain or discomfort.
• are acutely ill.
• are closely monitored (such as in the ICU).
• have decreased cognitive ability (as in a head injury).

When dealing with such a client, you should organize nursing care to reduce unessential stimuli; orient the client to person, place, and time during every contact; and explain all nursing care.