A nurse is caring for a client age 78 years who is taking an anticholinergic medication and complains of dry mouth. Which of the following would be most appropriate for the nurse to suggest? Select all that apply
A) Chew hard candies.
B) Rinse the mouth with a glycerol mouthwash.
C) Use more seasonings on food.
D) Drink decaffeinated beverages often.
Ans: A, B
Xerostomia, or dry mouth, which is common in older adults, also may impair eating. For patients with xerostomia, hard candy or chewing gum may stimulate salivary flow. Glycerol mouthwash can provide as much relief from xerostomia, acting as artificial saliva. The nurse should pay particular attention to those who are currently receiving treatment for mental illnesses, particularly with medications that have anticholinergic properties; modification of the drug regimen may be necessary. Dry mouth is also a side effect of many other anticholinergic medications, such as cimetidine, digoxin, and furosemide. Increasing seasonings or use of decaffeinated beverages would have no effect on dry mouth.
You might also like to view...
A long-term care nurse is preparing an educational program for her peers on malnutrition. Which of the following criteria should the nurse include as risk factors for malnutrition? Select all that apply
A) Chewing problems B) Mouth pain C) Weight loss of greater than 3% in 1 month D) Altered taste E) Tube feeding
All of the following are purposes of evaluation except
a. to promote nursing accountability b. to determine the cost-effectiveness of care c. to determine client progress or lack of progress toward achievement of expected outcomes d. to determine the overall quality of client care provided
You can mix the contents of an opened capsule with any type of food or liquid
Indicate whether the statement is true or false
A client who smokes is receiving theophylline products. Because of his history of smoking, the nurse would expect that the dose would be affected in which way?
a. Increased b. Decreased c. The same d. Closely monitored