Introduction to Nursing Diagnosis: Risk of Dry Mouth
NANDA nursing diagnosis is a standardized terminology used in nursing to document and communicate common diagnostic statements in a way that is consistent and understood among nurses and nurse providers all over the world. A risk of dry mouth nursing diagnosis would be appropriate for a patient who has an increased likelihood of having an oral problem caused by reduced saliva production.
Nursing Diagnosis Definition
Risk of Dry Mouth is defined as an increased susceptibility of having an oral problem related to reduced saliva production.
Defining Characteristics
Subjective Data
- Complains of difficulty speaking, swallowing or chewing
- Reports feeling of dryness in the mouth
- Reports altered taste sensations
Objective Data
- Xerostomia/ dry mouth identified
- Difficulty in speaking, swallowing or chewing
- Altered taste sensation
- Presence of a burning sensation in the mouth
- Medications: The use of certain drugs, especially those with anticholinergic properties, can reduce saliva flow, leading to dry mouth.
- Salivary Gland Dysfunction: Disorders like Sjorgen’s Syndrome or any disease of the salivary glands can cause dry mouth.
- Weight Loss: Unintentional or unintended weight loss can lead to dehydration and reduce saliva flow, resulting in dry mouth.
- Dehydration: Lack of drinking adequate amounts of water can lead to dehydration and cause dry mouth.
- Smoking: The act of smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke have been linked to dry mouth.
Risk Population
Patients who are taking multiple medications, have had recent weight loss, have salivary gland dysfunction, are dehydrated or are exposed to second-hand smoke may be at a higher risk for developing dry mouth.
Associated Problems
- Caries
- Periodontal disease/gingivitis
- Trouble swallowing
- Trouble talking/changes in speech
- Ulcerations
Suggested Use
The risk of dry mouth nursing diagnosis can be used to alert healthcare providers to the increased risk of dry mouth in a certain patient and to create an individualized plan of care to manage the risk.
AlternativeNANDA Nursing Diagnoses
- Ineffective Oral Hygiene (NANDA)
- Risk for Inflammation of the Oral Mucosa (NANDA)
- Oral Gingival Tissue Complication (NOC)
- Decreased Salivary Flow (NIC)
Tips for Use
- Be sure to assess the patient's risk factors and make use of available data.
- Include measures to reduce the risk of dry mouth in both assessment and planning for patients.
- Encourage patients to hydrate themselves with adequate fluids.
- Teach the patient the implications of dry mouth and the need to adhere to preventive and management measures.
- Encourage the use of an artificial saliva product if necessary.
NOC Outcomes
- Oral Ecological Balance: Potential for improved balance of oral microorganisms and environmental influences.
- Oral Health: Potential uptake of effective and preventative oral health practices.
- Oral Soft Tissues Comfort: Potential for increased comfort of oral soft tissues.
- Oral Symptom Control: Potential for more effective symptom and sign control.
NIC Interventions
- Oral Care: Provide non-invasive direct care for the mouth.
- Educate on Oral Care: Teach patient and family about the importance of oral care and oral hygiene.
- Manage Oral Dryness: Develop strategies to manage problems associated with dry mouth.
- Design Nutrition Plan: Develop and assist with creating a nutritional plan that provides adequate hydration and nutrition specific to the needs of the patient.
Conclusion & FAQs
The nursing diagnosis risk of dry mouth is a useful indicator for healthcare providers to be aware of when considering individualized care plans for patients. It serves to alert them to the increased likelihood of oral problems due to reduced saliva production. To ensure compliance, healthcare professionals should teach the patient about the implications of dry mouth and the steps they should take to reduce the likelihood of developing dry mouth. When necessary, healthcare professionals may suggest the use of an artificial saliva product to decrease discomfort caused by dry mouth.
FAQ: How often should I rinse my mouth if I have dry mouth? It is recommended to rinse your mouth out with water or other mouth rinses throughout the day, and before bed time.
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