A nurse is caring for a client age 78 years who is taking an ...

[torybrooks]

A nurse is caring for a client age 78 years who is taking an anticholinergic medication and complains of dry mouth. Which of the following would be most appropriate for the nurse to suggest? Select all that apply.
 
  A) Chew hard candies.
  B) Rinse the mouth with a glycerol mouthwash.
  C) Use more seasonings on food.
  D) Drink decaffeinated beverages often.

Question 2

A nurse is assessing a client age 78 years who lives alone in his own home. To assess the client's instrumental activities of daily living, which question would be most appropriate to ask?
 
  A) How often do you bathe or shower?
  B) How many times do you change clothes during the day?
  C) How often do you cook meals for yourself?
  D) How often do you go to the store to buy groceries?

[Jordin Calloway]

Answer to Question 1

Ans: A, B
Xerostomia, or dry mouth, which is common in older adults, also may impair eating. For patients with xerostomia, hard candy or chewing gum may stimulate salivary flow. Glycerol mouthwash can provide as much relief from xerostomia, acting as artificial saliva. The nurse should pay particular attention to those who are currently receiving treatment for mental illnesses, particularly with medications that have anticholinergic properties; modification of the drug regimen may be necessary. Dry mouth is also a side effect of many other anticholinergic medications, such as cimetidine, digoxin, and furosemide. Increasing seasonings or use of decaffeinated beverages would have no effect on dry mouth.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: D
Instrumental activities of daily living are part of the functional status assessment of older adults. These activities include shopping, talking on the telephone, and driving or using other transportation. Bathing, showering, dressing, and cooking are examples of activities of daily living.

[torybrooks]

TY

[Jordin Calloway]

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