Question

Which teaching point should the nurse plan to include when caring for a patient whose vision is corrected to 20/200?

a. How to access audio books
b. How to use a white cane safely
c. Where Braille instruction is available
d. Where to obtain specialized magnifiers

Answer 1

For a patient with 20/200 vision, which indicates severe visual impairment, the nurse should focus on teaching about specialized magnifiers to make use of remaining vision and provide tools for future vision loss, such as audio books, Braille, and white cane use.

Step-by-step explanation:

A patient with vision corrected to 20/200 is considered legally blind or severely visually impaired. In planning care for such a patient, the nurse should focus on teaching aids and strategies that increase the patient's independence and quality of life despite their low vision. Options for teaching include accessing audio books, using specialized magnifiers, obtaining Braille instruction, and learning to use a white cane safely. Since the vision is 20/200, which signifies severe visual impairment but not total blindness, it's important to provide resources that can help the patient maximize their residual vision while also offering tools for navigating potential loss of vision in the future.

Given that the patient's vision allows some degree of visual function, the most immediate and practical teaching point could be about obtaining specialized magnifiers. These devices can help the patient read and perform other tasks by enlarging the images so that they fall on more photoreceptors, allowing for better utilization of their remaining vision. Audio book resources are also beneficial as they provide access to written materials without the need for visual reading. Braille instruction might be considered in cases where the patient's vision is expected to diminish further or as a part of long-term adaptation strategies. Using a white cane safely is an essential skill for navigation and independence, particularly in unfamiliar or complex environments, and it is more commonly associated with complete or near-complete blindness.

Answer 2

The best teaching point for a patient with vision corrected to 20/200 includes discussing a range of visual aids and resources such as audio books, specialized magnifiers, white cane usage, and Braille instruction, tailored to the patient's needs and lifestyle.

Step-by-step explanation:

The teaching point that should be included when caring for a patient whose vision is corrected to 20/200 depends on the degree of visual impairment and the patient's needs. Vision of 20/200 is classified as legal blindness in the United States, which means that what a person with normal vision can see clearly at 200 feet away, the person with 20/200 vision can only see clearly at 20 feet away. Given this level of visual impairment, it could be important to provide information on a variety of visual aids and resources.

The nurse could discuss options such as:

• How to access audio books - This helps with enjoying literature and getting information without relying on vision.
• Where to obtain specialized magnifiers - These devices can help with reading and other close work by enlarging text and images.
• How to use a white cane safely - If the individual's vision is very limited, learning to navigate with a cane can be beneficial for independence.
• Where Braille instruction is available - For those interested in learning Braille to read tactilely, this option can be included.

However, each option is suitable for different levels of vision loss and the activities the patient wishes to engage in. Therefore, the best teaching point should be tailored to the individual's specific circumstances and what will most enhance their quality of life.