When examining the mouth of an older patient, the nurse ...

[sheilaspns]

When examining the mouth of an older patient, the nurse recognizes which finding is due to the aging process?
 
  a. Teeth appearing shorter
  b. Tongue that looks smoother in appearance
  c. Buccal mucosa that is beefy red in appearance
  d. Small, painless lump on the dorsum of the tongue

Question 2

When examining the nares of a 45-year-old patient who has complaints of rhinorrhea, itching of the nose and eyes, and sneezing, the nurse notices the following: pale turbinates, swelling of the turbinates, and clear rhinorrhea.
 
  Which of these conditions is most likely the cause?
  a.
  Nasal polyps
  b.
  Acute sinusitis
  c.
  Allergic rhinitis
  d.
  Acute rhinitis

[Tonny]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
In the aging adult, the tongue looks smoother because of papillary atrophy. The teeth are slightly yellowed and appear longer because of the recession of gingival margins.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Rhinorrhea, itching of the nose and eyes, and sneezing are present with allergic rhinitis. On physical examination, serous edema is noted, and the turbinates usually appear pale with a smooth, glistening surface.