MODULE 8:

SUPPLEMENTAL SKILLS

Chapter 17

Special Patients and

Considerations

Elderly Patients
Disabilities that occur with age:
Hearing loss or impairment
Sight loss or impairment
Slowed movements
Fractures
Senility
Loss of bowel and bladder control

Chronic Care Patients

More patients are treated at home.
Complex medical devices include: ventilators,
oxygen enrichment devices, pacemakers,
implanted defibrillators, feeding tubes,
catheters.
Patients often take a wide variety of
medications.
Remember the basics of care.
Assess problem/ask patient or caregiver
about the problem.

Hearing-Impaired or Deaf Persons

Identify yourself.
Touch the patient.
Face the patient when you speak.
Speak slowly and distinctly; do not
shout.
Watch patients face for expressions.
If necessary, write down your
comments.

Visually-Impaired or Blind Patients

Use your touch and voice to communicate.

Find out persons name and use it.
Talk more with a blind patient.
Tell patient what is happening.
Touch patient to provide psychological
support.
Do not separate guide dog from patient.

Non-English-Speaking Patients
Use many of the techniques that you
would use with a deaf patient.
Determine how much English the patient
speaks.
Seek out a family member or friend to
be your interpreter.
Make an effort to become familiar with
other languages used in your area.

Developmentally Disabled Patients

Ask family about patients typical level of
communication.
Speak slowly, using short sentences
and simple words.
Offer support by touching patients.
Use techniques you would use when
dealing with pediatric patients.

Patients with Disruptive Behavior

Assess situation.
Protect patient and yourself.
Do not take your eyes off the patient or
turn your back.
If patient has a weapon, stay away!
Once personal safety has been assured,
perform patient care accordingly.