Question

A 72-year-old client has been in the ICU for the past 2 days. Which intervention would be the most appropriate in decreasing the risk for sensory deprivation? Select all that apply.

1. Remove equipment from the room.
2. Explain procedures and routines to the client upon admission.
3. Provide a clock and calendar in the client's room.
4. Maintain a balance of activity and rest periods.
5. Maintain constant conversation when in the client's room.

Answer 1

To decrease sensory deprivation risk for an ICU patient, it's beneficial to explain routines and procedures, provide a clock and calendar, and maintain activity/rest balance. It's unnecessary to remove medical equipment or maintain constant conversation, as rest periods are also crucial.

Step-by-step explanation:

To decrease the risk for sensory deprivation in a 72-year-old client who has been in the ICU for the past 2 days, several interventions can be appropriate:

1. Explain procedures and routines to the client upon admission. This helps orient the patient to their environment and understand what is happening around them, which can alleviate anxiety and confusion.
2. Provide a clock and calendar in the client's room. These objects offer visual cues about the passage of time and the date, helping the patient maintain a sense of the present and a regular rhythm.
3. Maintain a balance of activity and rest periods. While constant conversation may be overwhelming, engaging in meaningful interaction when in the client's room and allowing for quiet times can help prevent sensory overload and support recovery.

It's not recommended to remove equipment from the room as it is likely necessary for the client's medical care. Regarding maintaining constant conversation, it's important to engage with the client, but they should also have periods of rest without constant stimulation to prevent sensory overload.