Demographics Name: Renee Age: 46 Gender: Female Race: White
Physical Assessment 5’ 11” Face looks older than she is Appears to be in good shape
Mental Assessment Feels like she has to be perfect all the time Depressed when she is sober Alcoholic since she was 18
Social Assessment Goes to church Interpersonal Has 5 children from multiple relationships
Medical Assessment Bipolar diagnosed 7 years ago High blood pressure
Dental History PFM Bridge on #29-31 #2,3,14, 19- DO amalgams #15- MO amalgam, broken lingual cusp Generalized attrition
E/O I/O Assessment Coated tongue Xerostomia Suspicious white lesion on buccal mucosa
Communication After reviewing HHX, ask patient: Have you ever felt the need to cut down on your drinking? Have you ever felt annoyed by criticism of your drinking? Have you ever felt guilty about your drinking? Have you ever taken a drink first thing in the morning?
Appointment Planning 2-3 month recare appointments Shorter prophy appointments When patient misses or cancels, do not view as acceptable
Client Positioning Make sure she is comfortable
DH Procedure Avoid alcohol based rinses or products such as Listerine
Safety Precautions Verify HHX regarding liver condition: primary biotransformation site for amide drug, local anesthesia, is in liver If a mood altering drug is needed, contact her physician
OHI Biotene, saliva substitute Alcohol free mouthrinse Bass method
Personal Reflection I chose to do my case study on alcoholism because it is a special need that, unfortunately, is all to familiar to me. I have seen alcoholism tear apart families and friends. I understand how to handle this special need in a family setting, however, I felt it was necessary to understand how to handle it in a professional manner for my career. I learned how to have a professional relationship with an alcoholic patient with a nonjudgmental attitude and professional plan for their oral health.
Additional Information
http://www.aa.org "Alcoholics Anonymous® is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety."
http://alcoholism.about.com/ This website answers such questions as: What is alcoholism? What are the symptoms? What are some withdrawal symptoms? Treatment of alcoholism Help for families