O.H.N. is a 85 year old male who has been diagnosed with the following health conditions

Scenario

 O.H.N. is a 85 year old male who has been diagnosed with the following health 

conditions:

o Diabetes (diagnosed since 68 years old)

o Hypertension (diagnosed since 50 years old)

o High Cholesterol (diagnosed since 65 years old)

o Obesity (diagnosed since 65 years old)

o Gum Disease (diagnosed since 55 years old)

 The following medications have been prescribed:

o Tanzieum – taken once weekly

o Crestor

o HCTZ

o Lasix

o 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.

Questions for Case Study

1. What concerns do you have for O.H.N. regarding oral health and nutrition? 

(Note: Explain what conditions may lead to adverse effects such as gum 

disease as well as methods to address his chronic health concerns.)

2. What individuals/agencies should be involved in addressing these 

concerns? (Note: Which health care providers/organizations should be 

included in the discussion or be consulted regarding oral health and 

nutrition concerns?)

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).

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?)

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?)

6. What processes or procedures are necessary to safeguard O.H.N. from 

experiencing an adverse effects related to his oral health and nutrition? 

(Note: Think Interagency – Team-based approach).