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

5. What other agencies can assist with improving O.H.N.’s oral health and nutrition needs to minimize adverse effects? (Note: Think about methods for treating each of the chronic diseases and how changes to oral health and nutrition can be improved. How can this care be coordinated?)

Answer 1

Inord.to improve the oral health of O.H.N. he has

• Make sure that he brushes his teeth twice a day once in the morning and in the night before retiring to bed.
• He can use Peanut size tooth paste and clean the mouth with soft bristle tooth brush.
• He has to brush the front part in up and down motion.
• Then the biting surface and back side of the teeth.
• It is important that he cleans the tongue with tongue cleaner every time he brushes the teeth.  
• Avioding sugar candies is good because it might cause tooth decay and already O.H.N is known diabetic.Frequent intake of mint and intake of carbonated drinks can cause damage to the teeth and to his health.
• O.H.N can always carry water bottle with him to take keep himself well hydrated and to prevent oral dryness and it will not increase the blood glucose levels.
• He has to take all his regular medications and visit healthcare for his follow up.
• As he is on dietitian recommended food it will be quite healthy for him
• O.H.N should do exercises and go for regular walking to keep his hypertension and diabetes in control.