Author Question: A 96-year-old patient reports symptoms of xerostomi a. The nurse attempts to minimize the effects ... (Read 59 times)

audragclark · **on:** Jul 11, 2018

A 96-year-old patient reports symptoms of xerostomi

a. The nurse attempts to minimize the effects of the condition by:
a. providing appropriate fluids with the pa-tient's meals.
b. cutting the patient's meat into small bite-sized pieces.
c. elevating the head of the patient's bed at mealtimes.
d. assisting the patient with oral care before each meal.

Question 2

A patient has just arrived in the postanesthesia care unit after a below-the-knee amputation. What assessment takes priority?

a. Surgical dressing
b. Level of pain
c. Pulse and blood pressure
d. Airway

catron30 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 11, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A
Xerostomia, commonly referred to as dry mouth, is a subjective sensation of abnormal oral dry-ness. Reduced salivary flow is a common complaint of older adults. Dry mouth in the older adult can lead to an increased risk of serious respiratory infection, impaired nutritional status, and re-duced ability to communicate. Offering appropriate fluids with meals will assist with proper nu-trition. The other options will not provide relief for this condition.

Answer to Question 2

D
Airway is always the priority. The other assessments are important too, but airway takes prece-dence.