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

4. What can O.H.N. do to reduce the potential for adverse effects related to his oral health and nutrition? (Note: What changes may be necessary to reduce preventable adverse events?)

Answer 1

Here O.H.N has to ensure that he does not carry mint with him rather drink lot oral fluids.He can also consult the physician so why he is developing dry mouth.Dry mouth could be the sign of dehydration.So keeping him hydrated is very important.

He can also consult the dietitian to plan a menu that can include the fluid level, kind of fruit juices he can consume,maintaining oral hygiene, flossing will be effective to keep away from potential adverse effects to his oral health.

Dehydration leads to coated tongue, Halitosis(bad breath), and vitamin b complex deficiencies can lead to angular stomatitis (sores at the edges of mouth),cheiliosis(cracks in the lips).So its important that the nutrition is important in maintaing good oral health.