When a older adult client states, "My mouth is always dry," the nurse realizes that this client may be at a risk for developing an oral infection primarily because:
1. A dry mouth is lacking in bacteria-fighting immunoglobulin A.
2. Poorly chewed food will remain in the mouth, supporting bacterial growth.
3. A lack of salivary gland lubrication makes chewing the food difficult, resulting in gum trauma.
4. The normal aging process reduces the antibacterial properties of saliva.
A dry mouth is lacking in bacteria-fighting immunoglobulin A.
Rationale: Saliva contains large amounts of ions, such as immunoglobulin A, a vital component for destroying oral bacteria. A lack of saliva increases the risk of infection from oral pathogens. While poorly chewed food that remains in the oral cavity does support bacterial growth and a lack of oral lubrication may make chewing food more difficult, they are not the primary risk factors in this scenario. Normal aging does not appear to have an affect on the antibacterial properties of saliva.
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