Question

Scenario

• O.H.N. is a 85 year old male who has been diagnosed with the following health conditions:
  • Diabetes (diagnosed since 68 years old)
  • Hypertension (diagnosed since 50 years old)
  • High Cholesterol (diagnosed since 65 years old)
  • Obesity (diagnosed since 65 years old)
  • Gum Disease (diagnosed since 55 years old)
• The following medications have been prescribed:
  • Tanzieum – taken once weekly
  • Crestor
  • HCTZ
  • Lasix
  • Lisinopril
• O.H.N. often has dry mouth which affects the way food tastes and his bridge fits his mouth.
• O.H.N. is living in a low-income seniors’ apartment in the community.
• O.H.N. has Medicare and Medicaid for his insurances.
• O.H.N. has meals delivered through Meals on Wheels, based upon recommendations from the registered dietitian.
• O.H.N. has three children who take him out to dinner occasionally (birthdays/holidays).

O.H.N. has mints in his pocket which he takes often when his mouth is too dry and also often drinks carbonated beverages to keep his mouth moist

3. How would you develop an intervention/care strategy of reducing the potential risks for O.H.N. experiencing adverse reactions for each of his chronic diseases? (Note: What steps should be taken to address his oral health and nutrition needs given his multiple chronic health conditions).

Answer 1

Answer: To reduce the potential risk for OHN experiencing adverse reactions for each chronic diseases as intake of carbonated beverages should be avoided. He should drink lots of water to overcome with the side effects of medicine. Avoiding the carbonated drinks not only lower the risk of making the chronic disease more worse but also it will reduces the worsening the gum disease.

He should consumed food and should brush his teeth to prevent accumulation of food in teeth or near the gums.