Question

Mouth Discomfort Most of the page care for have dementia. They can't tell me when someth tell me that they have a sore mouth. So listen loma de y carefully listen to behaviour. Then I try to figure out wher w and they cant tell me that they have a loose could be wrong I remember one lady me and resisted care Rinalyst bene lady who was upset but she couldn't tell me what was wrong. She sisted care finally started singing with her and she readable b aht need to see her mouth. She has not been letting me give her mouth Then I thous the last few days. Sure enough, her mouth was ugly with red patches core for white spots sloughing off She had a thrush infection. That had to be the creamy white spots slova cause of the pain Mouth discomfort develops imitated and/or infected. There are PWs are key to notice signs of mouth discomfort discomfort develops when the normal tissues of the oral cavity become dry. and/or infected. There are many causes of mouth discomfort (eg. medi side effects, poorly fitting dentures, a weakened immune system, therefore, the mouth care is important. Because PSWs provide the majority of personal care they will be the they will be the first to notice changes in a person's mouth or their behaviour that may signal mouth pain. Gathering Information Observing Some people may tell you their mouth is sore, but most people manage their sore mouth by avoiding activities that cause mouth pain. PSWS need to watch for behav- lours that may signal mouth pain. A person who suddenly does not want anything in their mouth (eg, refuses food, drinks less than usual, doesn't want their teeth deaned) may have a sore mouth. If talking causes pain, the person may stop talking or moan instead of using words. If you see these behaviours, look further for symp- toms of mouth discomfort. Decreased eating may indicate mouth discomfort The person with mouth discomfort may have • Visibly dry lips, gums, or tongue • Swollen mucosa, lips, or tongue • Fresh or dried blood in their mouth or on their lips • A coloured discharge on their toothbrush after use • An unpleasant smell in the mouth • Colour changes with or without red or white sores in their mouth • Difficulty swallowing Chapter 4: Increasing Physical Comfort

Answer 1

The person who undergoes radiation therapy may feel the adverse reaction to therapy like dry mouth. The dry mouth is also observed in dying persons. To comfort the patient in these conditions following measures are taken

What you might observe if a person has dry mouth	What you might ask a dying person to better understand their needs	Comfort measures that might be helpful
Visibly dry mouth including gums and lips	What are you most afraid of?	1. Maintain silence
Swelling in lips, tongue, and mucosa	What are you most worried about?	2 Speak soothing words or sing the song
Presence of fresh or dried blood on lips or in mouth	There is anything that makes you feel uncomfortable.	3 Moist the patient's mouth with water