Author Question: Which is a true statement about dental health in older adults? a. Most people can expect to lose ... (Read 71 times)

jace · **on:** Jul 11, 2018

Which is a true statement about dental health in older adults?

a. Most people can expect to lose most of their teeth by old age.
b. Excessive saliva production is a common problem among older adults.
c. Dentures should be cleaned once a day by brushing and soaking in cleaning solu-tion.
d. A little blood on the toothbrush is normal.

Question 2

Which assessment parameter should the nurse use to differentiate between delirium and depression in an older adult?

a. Orientation c. Course over the morning hours
b. Activity d. Psychomotor activ-ity

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

Answer to Question 1

C

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A Incorrect. Older adults can lose teeth, but more adults are retaining their teeth into old age. Tooth loss is most often a result of periodontal disease.
B Incorrect. Inadequate saliva production (xerostomia) is a common problem for older persons.
C Correct. Careful cleaning of dentures is necessary to prevent buildup of residues that contribute to staining and odor as well as infection.
D Incorrect. Bleeding from the gums is a sign of periodontal disease.

Answer to Question 2

A
Qualities about the patient's orientation are a good method for the nurse to use for distinguishing between delirium and depression; in delirium, orientation is usually impaired, and in depression, orientation is normal. Activity can vary throughout the day and is not a good indicator. Delirium tends to be worse at night, and depression tends to be worse in the morning. The nurse avoids using qualities about the patient's psychomotor activities to distinguish between delirium and depression in an older adult; psychomotor activities in both disorders are highly variable and make distinctions difficult.