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More questions ( 18 Questions)
A nurse is assessing an older adult client’s mouth.
The nurse should identify that which of the following is an expected variation for this client?
White patches on the tongue could indicate candidiasis, an oral fungal infection.
Bleeding of the gums could indicate gingivitis, periodontitis, or vitamin C deficiency.
Red spots on the hard palate could indicate petechiae, which are small hemorrhages caused by trauma, infection, or bleeding disorders.
Darkening of the mucosa. This is an expected variation for an older adult client because the melanin production increases with age.
Darkening of the mucosa. This is an expected variation for an older adult client because the melanin production increases with age.
Some possible explanations for the other choices are:
• Choice A. White patches on the tongue could indicate candidiasis, an oral fungal infection.
• Choice B. Bleeding of the gums could indicate gingivitis, periodontitis, or vitamin C deficiency.
• Choice C. Red spots on the hard palate could indicate petechiae, which are small hemorrhages caused by trauma, infection, or bleeding disorders.
Normal ranges for oral mucosa color vary depending on the skin tone and ethnicity of the client. Generally, the oral mucosa should be pink and moist without lesions or discolorations.