NUR 170 EXAM 3 COMPREHENSIVE STUDY
GUIDE 2026
◉ How does sensory deprivation occur?
Answer: Sensory deprivation occurs when there is a
deficiency of meaningful stimuli in the person's
environment
◉ What are the signs of sensory deprivation?
Answer: 1. Irritability
2. Confusion
3. Reduced attention span
4. Drowsiness
5. Depression
6. Preoccupation with somatic complaints
7. Delusions
8. Hallucinations
◉ How does sensory overload occur?
,Answer: Sensory overload develops when either environmental or
internal stimuli—or a combination of both— exceed a higher level
than the client's sensory system
can effectively process.
◉ Identify signs of sensory overload
Answer: 1. Irritability
2. Confusion
3. Reduced attention span
4. Decreased problem-solving ability
5. Drowsiness
6. Muscle tension
7. Anxiety
8. Inability to concentrate
9. Decreased ability to perform tasks
10. Restlessness
11. Disorientation
◉ Identify factors that may impair sense of taste
Answer: 1. Impaired smell
2. Xerostomia
3. Upper respiratory tract infections
,4. Smoking
5. Vitamin B12 or zince deficiency
6. Injury to the mouth, nose, or head
7. Medications
◉ How is the sense of smell triggered?
Answer: The sense of smell is triggered when chemoreceptors in the
upper nasal cavities detect vaporized chemicals.
◉ What areas of the body have the greatest number of tactile
receptors?
Answer: Hands and face
◉ What is the difference between myopia and
hyperopia
Answer: Myopia (Nearsightedness) is the ability to see close objects
well, but not distant objects
Hyperopia (Farsightedness) is the ability to see distant objects well,
but not near objects
◉ What is the difference between conduction deafness
and nerve deafness?
, Answer: Conduction deafness is caused by problems affecting any
structure that transmits vibrations. These structures are in the outer
and middle ear.
Nerve deafness is caused by damage to cranial
nerve VIII or the receptors in the cochlea.
◉ Identify areas you should assess for a client with
known or suspected sensory alterations.
Answer: 1. Factors affecting sensory perception
2. Mental status
3. Level of consciousness
4. Recent changes in sensory stimulation
5. Use of sensory aids
6. Patient's environment
7. The support network
8. Focused examination of vision, hearing, taste, smell, touch, and
balance
◉ Identify at least two ways that you can assess vision
and hearing deficits at the bedside.
Answer: Vision assessments. Have the client read a newspaper,
menu, or other printed matter and observe the client for squinting.
GUIDE 2026
◉ How does sensory deprivation occur?
Answer: Sensory deprivation occurs when there is a
deficiency of meaningful stimuli in the person's
environment
◉ What are the signs of sensory deprivation?
Answer: 1. Irritability
2. Confusion
3. Reduced attention span
4. Drowsiness
5. Depression
6. Preoccupation with somatic complaints
7. Delusions
8. Hallucinations
◉ How does sensory overload occur?
,Answer: Sensory overload develops when either environmental or
internal stimuli—or a combination of both— exceed a higher level
than the client's sensory system
can effectively process.
◉ Identify signs of sensory overload
Answer: 1. Irritability
2. Confusion
3. Reduced attention span
4. Decreased problem-solving ability
5. Drowsiness
6. Muscle tension
7. Anxiety
8. Inability to concentrate
9. Decreased ability to perform tasks
10. Restlessness
11. Disorientation
◉ Identify factors that may impair sense of taste
Answer: 1. Impaired smell
2. Xerostomia
3. Upper respiratory tract infections
,4. Smoking
5. Vitamin B12 or zince deficiency
6. Injury to the mouth, nose, or head
7. Medications
◉ How is the sense of smell triggered?
Answer: The sense of smell is triggered when chemoreceptors in the
upper nasal cavities detect vaporized chemicals.
◉ What areas of the body have the greatest number of tactile
receptors?
Answer: Hands and face
◉ What is the difference between myopia and
hyperopia
Answer: Myopia (Nearsightedness) is the ability to see close objects
well, but not distant objects
Hyperopia (Farsightedness) is the ability to see distant objects well,
but not near objects
◉ What is the difference between conduction deafness
and nerve deafness?
, Answer: Conduction deafness is caused by problems affecting any
structure that transmits vibrations. These structures are in the outer
and middle ear.
Nerve deafness is caused by damage to cranial
nerve VIII or the receptors in the cochlea.
◉ Identify areas you should assess for a client with
known or suspected sensory alterations.
Answer: 1. Factors affecting sensory perception
2. Mental status
3. Level of consciousness
4. Recent changes in sensory stimulation
5. Use of sensory aids
6. Patient's environment
7. The support network
8. Focused examination of vision, hearing, taste, smell, touch, and
balance
◉ Identify at least two ways that you can assess vision
and hearing deficits at the bedside.
Answer: Vision assessments. Have the client read a newspaper,
menu, or other printed matter and observe the client for squinting.
