The nurse is assessing the oral mucosa of a pregnant female and ...

[saraeharris]

The nurse is assessing the oral mucosa of a pregnant female and notes enlargement of the gums.
 
  The client states that regular oral hygiene is performed and that she does not understand why this has occurred. Which response by the nurse is the most appropriate?
  1. You may have oral cancer.
  2. You are experiencing a normal change during pregnancy.
  3. You may have leukoplakia.
  4. You need to decrease the frequency of your oral hygiene.

Question 2

The nurse is assessing several children in a pediatric clinic. Which child is experiencing a development delay?
 
  1. The 6-year-old child has lost two deciduous teeth.
  2. The 26-month-old child has one baby tooth.
  3. The 4-month-old infant is drooling.
  4. The 2-month-old infant's salivary glands are not producing saliva.

[Jossy]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2

Gingival hyperplasia (enlargement of the gums) is a normal physiologic change associated with pregnancy. It is also seen in clients with leukemia and prolonged use of Dilantin. Early signs of oral cancer are manifested by ulcers in the lower lip and under the tongue that do not heal normally. Leukoplakia is a whitish thickening of the mucous membrane in the mouth or tongue. It cannot be scraped off. It is most often associated with heavy smoking or drinking, and it can be a precancerous condition. Advanced gingivitis and poor dental hygiene are manifested by swollen red gums that will bleed when brushed, and will show separation of the gum from the tooth.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2

Deciduous (baby) teeth begin to erupt between 6 months and 2 years of age. A 26-month-old child might be expected to have more than one deciduous tooth. Eruption of permanent teeth begins at around age 6 and continues through adolescence. Drooling of saliva occurs for several months after saliva is produced (3 months old) until swallowing saliva is learned. Salivation begins at 3 months of age.