A 40-year-old patient who has just finished chemotherapy for ...

[lb_gilbert]

A 40-year-old patient who has just finished chemotherapy for breast cancer tells the nurse that she is concerned about her mouth. During the assessment the nurse finds areas of buccal mucosa that are raw and red with some bleeding,
 
  as well as other areas that have a white, cheesy coating. The nurse recognizes that this abnormality is:
  a.
  Aphthous ulcers.
  b.
  Candidiasis.
  c.
  Leukoplakia.
  d.
  Koplik spots.

Question 2

A pregnant woman states that she is concerned about her gums because she has noticed they are swollen and have started bleeding. What would be an appropriate response by the nurse?
 
  a. Your condition is probably due to a vitamin C deficiency.
  b. I'm not sure what causes swollen and bleeding gums, but let me know if it's not better in a few weeks.
  c. You need to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to have this checked.
  d. Swollen and bleeding gums can be caused by the change in hormonal balance in your system during pregnancy.

[adf223]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Candidiasis is a white, cheesy, curdlike patch on the buccal mucosa and tongue. It scrapes off, leaving a raw, red surface that easily bleeds. It also occurs after the use of antibiotics or corticosteroids and in persons who are immunosuppressed.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Gum margins are red and swollen and easily bleed with gingivitis. A changing hormonal balance may cause this condition to occur in pregnancy and puberty.

[lb_gilbert]

Thank you

[adf223]

Happy to help you