(3) Orient the patient to any personnel that may be expected to enter his
room. For example, housekeeping personnel or laboratory technicians.
(4) Familiarize the patient with the sounds of his environment. Explain the
source of those he is unfamiliar with. Remember, a patient with vision loss depends
heavily on his hearing for environmental cues and orientation.
(5) Orient the patient to things around him by comparing their location to the
numbers on the face of a clock, with the patient located in the center of the clock.
(a) When describing his room, identify locations by clock reference.
For example, the bathroom door is at 2 o'clock and the door to the hallway is at 9
o'clock.
(b) When describing the food on his plate, identify the location of the
food items by clock reference. For example, the potatoes are at 12 o'clock, the green
beans are at 3 o'clock, the roast beef is at 6 o'clock, and the biscuit is at 9 o'clock.
b. Precautions. To protect the patient from accidental injury, follow these
guidelines.
(1) Inform the patient when something in his room has been moved or is
different from usual.
(2) Keep doors completely opened or completely closed. This will prevent
walking into a partially opened door.
(3) Keep toilet articles in the location the patient places them. Do not move
them without telling the patient.
(4) Remove hazardous items such as light cords, small trash cans, and
other items that the patient could trip over.
c. Assisting the Patient.
(1)
Always address the patient by name when entering his area.
(2)
Always let the patient know when you are leaving his area.
(3) When walking with the patient, do not hold him or walk behind him and
push him along. Allow the patient to place his hand on your arm or shoulder and walk
beside you.
(4)
Encourage the patient to be independent and self-sufficient.
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