Hello, the assignment is to respond to these two discussion post. The topic is about Eyes, ears, nose and mouth health assessment. Please see attached rubric for discussion response requirement. Please type discussion 1 and put your response under it as if you were replying to the writer. Be sure to include references of peer reviewed article used in theresponse. Each discussion should include 3 references. 400 words to each response.

Discussion post 1 (Allison): Eyes, ears, nose and mouth

As we age, our body and all its working parts undergo many changes. In looking at aging and the eyes, many significant changes can take place. Reduced pupil size can be attributed to a weakening of the muscles that dilate and constrict the pupils. This can cause an over sensitivity to light. The lens of the eye also begins to lose its ability to change shape which results in difficulty focusing and viewing up close items. Those aging could also experience a loss in peripheral vision and declining color vision.(Lemmens et al., 2020) Another very common change, as noted in this assessment scenario, is eye dryness and itching. As we age, our lacrimal gland, responsible for tear production, declines in function. In simple terms, less tears are produced which can lead to dry, itchy eyes.(Terry, 2001)

In assessing this patient there are a few key things I would like to ask. First, I would want a complete subjective report of her symptoms. Onset, frequency, aggravating factors, and interference in performing ADLs to name a few. In looking at the risk factors, I know that age and female sex are two, but I would also like to know if the patient is a smoker as this can lead to increased loss of lacrimal function as well. I would collect a list of medications that she is taking to see if any could contribute to her symptoms. I would also ask is she has had any recent blood work drawn checking hormone levels. A decline in systemic and sex hormones can contribute to these symptoms, and one pharmaceutical approach that could be taken is hormone replacement therapy.(Foulks, 2008) Last, I would also want to know any home and over the counter remedies being used. I would want to know what is working and what is not. This could help steer me towards a plan of care to successfully reduce and manage her symptoms.

Discussion 2 (Emanuela) Discussion 1: Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Mouth

As we begin to age, and unfortunately it happens to all of us, many changes occur. Not only to our bodies but to our overall health. In older adults one of the things that changes drastically is their eyes. The changes that occur in the eye are pupil size decrease, lacrimal glands involute, glaucoma, cataract formation, and macular degeneration. According to another source, “the most common culprits of vision loss are cataract, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, AMD and glaucoma lead to irreversible vision loss without early diagnosis and intervention. In the U.S., cases of AMD re expected to double by 2050, reaching 17.8 million among patients age 50 or older.” (Umfress & Brantley, 2017) Knowing this information and how serious these changes are in older adults, it’s important to do a thorough assessment, as well as early detection and intervention to prevent further deterioration.

Because this patient is over 50 years old and is a female, she is in the greatest risk factor for dry eyes. Next step in my option would be running some tests, getting a consult with an ophthalmologist, figuring out if this is normal, and getting potential medication to improve the condition.