Lesson 19 Devices/Interventions/ Prosthetics/Hearing Aids/ Artificial Eye/Eyeglasses/ Dentures/ Compression Stockings

Objectives Student will be able to explain the role of the NA related to caring for and maintaining: Prosthetic Devices: artificial limbs, hearing aids, artificial eyes, eyeglasses, and dentures Elastic Compression Stockings (TED hose) Student will be able to explain the role of the NA regarding care for a resident with an amputation and prosthetic device

Prosthetic Devices Amputation- removal of body part, usually as a result of injury or disease Prosthesis/Prosthetic Device- device to substitute for deformed or missing body part Phantom Pain/Phantom Sensation- pain in a limb despite amputation as a result of remaining nerve endings

Hearing Aids Hearing aids- small, battery operated device that fit into the ears to amplify sound RCP #70 Sometimes color indicates which ear Red=Right Blue=Left

Hearing Aid Clean residents ear with damp washcloth, clean hearing aid per manufacturers instructions Keep water away from area where batteries are attached Once ear is dry, place them in ear per instructions Ask resident if they can hear which would indicate sound is being amplified Observe for wax build up, if so report to nurse Store in labeled case when not in use If residents is not able to hear, check/change batteries If buzzing/whistling occurs, volume may need adjusted

Eye Prosthesis Device to resemble the natural eye, but does not allow the person to see Held in the eye socket by suction and the upper and lower eye lids Can be removed and inserted by nurse, NA, or resident Check for cleanliness Stored in clean container in proper solution (saline or distilled water) otherwise drying and cracking of the device can occur Report if eye socket is inflamed, reddened or draining Follow Care Plan as some residents may not remove daily http://www.ericksonlabs.com/v/Artificial_Eyes/care_handling.asp

Eyeglasses Should be kept clean Worn while resident is awake Clean with warm (not hot) water and a mild soap, dry with cotton cloth or use eye glass solution and cloth Store in safe place when not in use Report any damage to the glasses or lens Report if resident complains of blurred vision, headaches, or not seeing well

Dentures RCP #38 May consist of partial sets, with some teeth or full set with no teeth Encourage wearing them, especially for meals Removed and stored in labeled denture cup filled with cool water at night and kept in a safe place Be sure to check napkins, meal trays and bed linens before removing them Brush at least daily, but many prefer more frequently Handle with care; they are very fragile and expensive and will break if dropped on the floor or in the sink Be sure to also GENTLY brush/clean residents mouth, tongue, and any remaining teeth

Denture Essentials

Elastic Compression Stockings RCP #71 TED hose (thromboembolic deterrent stocking)- specialized hosiery designed to help prevent blood clots and swelling by compressing the limb and reducing the diameter of swollen veins so blood doesn’t pool in the lower extremities To be worn when out of bed and according to the care plan if ordered by the physician Applied by the NA or nurse Ensure they are wrinkle free Wash in sink at bedtime and hang to dry

Amputation & Artificial Limbs Can often be difficult for resident to accept due to change in body image and functional impairment, therefore, be sensitive to residents feelings Keep skin under prosthetic clean and dry Check skin on the stump for signs of pressure and irritation: Redness, Warmth, Swelling, Tenderness, and Skin Breakdown (open areas) Follow Care Plan regarding care of the prosthesis and applying and removing Handle with care If resident refuses to wear, respect the decision, but notify the nurse

Review Questions When providing care, the stump should be observed for what abnormalities? How should a hearing aid be cleaned? What is an important consideration when applying TED stockings?