What is the plan of nursing service for a visually impaired individual using a white cane?

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Last updated: April 17, 2025 • View editorial policy

From the Guidelines

A comprehensive nursing service plan for a visually impaired individual using a white cane should prioritize promoting independence while ensuring safety, as emphasized in the vision rehabilitation preferred practice pattern 1, 2, 3, 4.

Signs/Symptoms

Signs and symptoms to monitor include:

  • Changes in vision
  • Headaches
  • Eye pain
  • Redness
  • Discharge
  • Increased difficulty navigating familiar environments, as these may indicate worsening vision or other complications 4 ### Look for and Call the RN On-Call Look for and call the RN on-call if the individual:
  • Experiences minor injuries from navigation difficulties
  • Shows signs of depression or social isolation
  • Has difficulty with medication management
  • Demonstrates declining ability to perform activities of daily living 1, 3 ### Call 911 and Notify the RN Call 911 and notify the RN if the individual:
  • Experiences sudden vision loss
  • Severe eye pain
  • Head injury from a fall
  • Any medical emergency requiring immediate attention 5 ### Actions to Take Actions to take include:
  • Conducting a thorough home safety assessment to remove hazards and improve lighting
  • Establishing consistent organization of personal items
  • Implementing tactile markers for medication management
  • Providing orientation to new environments
  • Teaching proper white cane techniques
  • Connecting the individual with vision rehabilitation services
  • Encouraging regular eye examinations
  • Documenting all observations and interventions, as these interventions can significantly improve the individual's quality of life and autonomy 2, 3, 4

From the Research

Signs/Symptoms

  • Visually impaired individuals with a white cane may exhibit signs of difficulty navigating their environment, such as hesitancy or uncertainty when encountering obstacles 6
  • They may also display symptoms of anxiety or depression, such as irritability, anger, or aggression, which can be related to their visual impairment or other underlying conditions 7, 8, 9
  • Cognitive impairment, including difficulties with executive function and memory, may also be present in individuals with traumatic brain injury 8

Look for and Call the RN on-call

  • If the individual exhibits signs of distress, such as increased anxiety or depression, or if they are experiencing difficulties with navigation or daily activities 7, 8, 9
  • If the individual's white cane is not functioning properly or if they are having trouble using it effectively 6, 10
  • If the individual is experiencing any changes in their physical or emotional condition that may require medical attention

Call 911 and Notify the RN if

  • The individual is experiencing a medical emergency, such as a fall or injury, that requires immediate attention
  • The individual is exhibiting severe symptoms of anxiety or depression, such as suicidal ideation or intent 7, 8, 9
  • The individual's condition is deteriorating rapidly and requires immediate medical attention

Actions to Take

  • Provide emotional support and reassurance to the individual, and encourage them to express their feelings and concerns 7, 8, 9
  • Assist the individual with navigation and daily activities as needed, and provide guidance on the use of their white cane 6, 10
  • Encourage the individual to participate in activities that promote cognitive function and overall well-being, such as exercise or social engagement 8
  • Collaborate with the RN and other healthcare professionals to develop a comprehensive plan of care that addresses the individual's physical, emotional, and cognitive needs 7, 8, 9

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.