Ch29 Medically Compromised Patient

What does the Americans with Disabilities Act do?

Provides enforceable standards against discrimination for people with disabilities

What are the main roles for a dental assistant for medically compromised patients>

• Aid dentist

• Provide info

• Comfort patient

• Help reduce anxiety

Age range for “young-old” and traits?

65-74 yrs

• Better educated

• Demanding

• Retain more teeth

Age for “old” and traits?

75-84 yrs 

• Multiple health problems 

• More prostheses 

Age range for “old-old” and traits?

85+ yrs

• Fewer natural teeth

• Medical conditions affect oral health

• Believe tooth loss is inevitable

What is xerostomia?

Dry mouth from decreased saliva flow

What causes dark and brittle teeth?

Secondary dentin reduce pulp chamber 

What is periodontal disease?

Slower tissue healing

What is tooth decay?

Coronal/ root caries, recurrent around restorations

What is bone resorption ?

loss of alveolar ridge

ASA I ?

Healthy patient

ASA II?

Mid/systemic diseases 

ASA III?

Pt with severe systemic disease limiting but not incapacitating

ASA IV?

Pt with disease that is a constant threat to life

ASA V?

serious medical conditions

Down syndrome

physical traits + intellectual disability 

• Increase risk of periodontal disease and cardiac issues

Intellectual disabilities ?

Limited intellectual functioning 

• Difficulty with self care 

Main concern for wheelchair-bound patients?

Transferring

Key approach for vision-impaired patients?

Rely on touch and oral communication

Best way to communicate with hearing-impaired patients?

• Face patient 

• Speak slowly 

• Give simple/written directions 

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Progressive brain disorder with 3 stages

What are two types of seizures?

• Pettit mal (5-10sec)

• Grand mal (all ages, many causes)

What is multiple sclerosis?

Progressive weakness and paralysis 

What causes a stroke?

Loss of CNS function from hemorrhage, embolism, or thrombosis

What is angina?

Chest pain from reduced blood supply to the heart

What is myocardial infarction?

Heart attack 

What is hypertension?

High blood pressure

What is congestive heart failure?

Heart cannot pump enough blood to body’s organs

What is endocarditis?

Severe infection of cardiac valves from blood-borne pathogens 

Wha is asthma?

Hypersensitivity reaction causing bronchial narrowing

What is COPD?

Airflow blockage

Two forms of COPD?

• Bronchitis = narrows bronchial airways 

• Emphysema = enlarged air spaces and labored breathing 

What is leukemia?

Excess number of WBC

What is hemophilia?

Excessive bleeding from lack of clotting protein

What is arthritis?

Stiffening of joints 

What is muscular dystrophy?

Progressive atrophy and weakness

What is hyperthyroid?

Overactive thyroid gland 

What is hypothyroid?

Underactive thyroid gland

Two types of diabetes mellitus?

• Type 1 = insulin dependent

• Type 2 = controlled with diet/oral meds

What is anxiety?

Feeling of impending disaster

What is depression?

Emotional rejection and withdrawal

What is schizophrenia?

Delusions, hallucinations, and impaired reality