Synopsis of Client History
Age: 45
Sex: Male
Height: 6 ft
Weight: 230 lb
Race: African American
Vital Signs:
• Blood pressure: 140/90 mm Hg
• Pulse rate: 80 beats/min
• Respiration rate: 16 rpm
1. Under the care of a physician? No
2. Hospitalized within the past 5 years? Yes
• Reason: Broke arm while playing basketball
3. Has or had the following conditions:
• No report of systemic problems
4. Current medications:
• Sometimes uses a nicotine patch
5. Smokes or uses tobacco products?
• Yes (cigarettes, about one pack per day for the past 3 years)
Medical History
The client reports he has good health. He works out daily and takes care of his body. He shows a hypertension Stage 1 blood pressure and reports smoking one pack of cigarettes per day.
Dental History
The client has not been to the dentist in 5 years owing to a bad experience with his last dentist. He has 2 mm to 5 mm of clinical attachment loss in the posterior areas and no bleeding on probing. He has signs of chronic periodontitis. The dental restorations in his mouth are in very good condition, and there are no clinical signs of dental caries. His oral hygiene appears to be good.
Social History
The client reports that he is very active in sports and in the community.
Chief Complaint
The client is very anxious about dental treatment today.
-The client reports that he sometimes wears a nicotine patch. What might this suggest to the astute dental hygienist?

Question

Synopsis of Client History
Age: 45
Sex: Male
Height: 6 ft
Weight: 230 lb
Race: African American
Vital Signs:
     • Blood pressure: 140/90 mm Hg
     • Pulse rate: 80 beats/min
     • Respiration rate: 16 rpm
1. Under the care of a physician? No
2. Hospitalized within the past 5 years? Yes
     • Reason: Broke arm while playing basketball
3. Has or had the following conditions:
     • No report of systemic problems
4. Current medications:
     • Sometimes uses a nicotine patch
5. Smokes or uses tobacco products?
     • Yes (cigarettes, about one pack per day for the past 3 years)
Medical History
The client reports he has good health. He works out daily and takes care of his body. He shows a hypertension Stage 1 blood pressure and reports smoking one pack of cigarettes per day.
Dental History
The client has not been to the dentist in 5 years owing to a bad experience with his last dentist. He has 2 mm to 5 mm of clinical attachment loss in the posterior areas and no bleeding on probing. He has signs of chronic periodontitis. The dental restorations in his mouth are in very good condition, and there are no clinical signs of dental caries. His oral hygiene appears to be good.
Social History
The client reports that he is very active in sports and in the community.
Chief Complaint
The client is very anxious about dental treatment today.
-The client reports that he sometimes wears a nicotine patch. What might this suggest to the astute dental hygienist?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fact that the client has used nicotine patches suggests that he is interested in controlling his tobacco use. He may be a good candidate for a formal smoking-cessation program. The dental hygienist should ask the client directly if he is interested in stopping his smoking habit and, if so, should inquire if he would like help in doing so.