In addition to discomfort, which are adverse effects of ...

[OSWALD]

In addition to discomfort, which are adverse effects of xerostomia? (Select all that apply.)
 
  a. Reduced taste and appetite
  b. Excessive salivation
  c. Difficulty chewing and swallowing food
  d. Increase in dental caries
  e. Difficulty with speech
  f. Improved taste and enjoyment of food

Question 2

A patient who is undergoing bone marrow transplantation has developed severe mucositis. Which treatment option(s) may promote comfort? (Select all that apply.)
 
  a. 2 viscous lidocaine (Xylocaine) before meals
  b. Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) therapy as needed
  c. Commercially prepared mouthwashes
  d. Docosanol (Abreva) therapy
  e. Milk of Magnesia mouth rinses

Question 3

Which assessment information is pertinent to oral health? (Select all that apply.)
 
  a. Medication history
  b. Dental history, visit frequency
  c. Presence of halitosis
  d. Amount of saliva present
  e. Bowel sounds

[al]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A, C, D, E
Xerostomia increases tooth decay and causes loss of taste, difficulty in chewing and swallowing food, and difficulty talking. Xerostomia does not cause excessive salivation or food to taste better.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A, E
The pain with mucositis can be extremely severe. Viscous lidocaine 2 anesthetizes the entire mouth and throat. Used before meals, it facilitates patient eating. Care must be taken that the patient does not burn himself or herself because sensation is diminished. Milk of Magnesia can also be used as a mouth rinse to coat the mucous membranes. Acetylcysteine does not treat mucositis. Commercial mouthwashes contain alcohol, which is detrimental to the healing of mucositis. Docosanol is used to treat topical herpes infections, not mucositis.

Answer to Question 3

ANS: A, B, C, D
Pertinent history for oral health includes current drug therapy and dental history and frequency. Halitosis may indicate poor oral hygiene or the presence of infection in the oral cavity. Reduced amount of saliva is a risk factor for injury and infection in the oral cavity. Bowel sounds are not pertinent information to oral health.