What term describes how clients process and make sense of sensory information?

The correct term that describes how clients process and make sense of sensory information is "perceptions." Perception involves the interpretation of sensory input to form an understanding of the environment. It encompasses the way individuals process stimuli they encounter, which can involve factors such as personal experiences, sensory limitations, and context. This processing is crucial in caregiving, as it helps caregivers understand how clients experience their surroundings and respond to various stimuli, thus allowing for more tailored and effective care.

The other terms have specific roles in caregiving but do not directly relate to the processing of sensory information. "Assessment" refers to the evaluation of a client's condition or needs, "preferences" indicate choices based on what clients find favorable, and "observations" involve noticing behaviors or conditions without necessarily interpreting the sensory information being processed. Each plays an important role in overall caregiving but does not define the specific cognitive process that "perceptions" does.