A nurse is working with a group of older adult clients at a ...

[MGLQZ]

A nurse is working with a group of older adult clients at a community health center. Several clients report growing concerns about their dental health.
 
  They state they need to have dental work done despite continuing the same hygiene habits they have employed for years. They inquire about the underlying cause for these changes. Based on this data, which response by the nurse is the most appropriate?
  A) It is common for dental health to decline with aging.
  B) Aging increases saliva production, which increase exposure of the tooth's enamel to corrosive agents.
  C) A decrease in bone density is associated with aging, which can result in tooth decay and breakage.
  D) Metabolic changes in aging contribute to dental destruction.

Question 2

A young school-age child is seen in a pediatric clinic for a well-child checkup. The parent tells the nurse that they live in the country and use well water.
 
  Based on this data, which statement by the nurse is the priority when conducting client teaching?
  A) Your child will need to use a teeth whitener in the future because well water is your primary water source.
  B) Your child will need to be placed on a fluoride supplement because your primary water source is from a well.
  C) I will recommend some mouthwashes that are appropriate for clients that drink well water.
  D) It will be very important that your child does not eat sugary foods because you drink well water.

[nixon_s]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: C

The changes in bone health from aging will impact dental health. Simply stating that aging causes problems does not meet the clients' request for information on an underlying cause. Saliva production decreases with aging. Metabolic changes have not led to the dental changes.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: B

Teeth whitener or special mouthwashes are not required for a child who drinks well water. Inquire about use of fluoride if the water supply is not fluoridated. Well water does not contain fluoride. Refraining from sugary foods is not necessary just because the child's primary drinking source is from a well. While the nurse may teach about the effect of sugary foods on teeth, the priority would be to teach about fluoride, since this family's water supply does not provide it.