Chapter 31: Drugs Used to Treat Oral Disorders

Chapter 31: Drugs Used to Treat Oral Disorders

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) uses a corticosteroid inhaler bid. Which adverse effect is associated with this medication?

ANS:  D

Medications that predispose a patient to candidiasis are those that suppress the immune system, including immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, cytotoxics, and broad spectrum antibiotics. Educating patients on the importance of oral hygiene following prescribed inhalation dosages will assist in decreasing this complication. Mucositis, plaque, and xerostomia are not associated with steroid inhaler use.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   Page 485        OBJ:   1

TOP:   Nursing Process Step: Assessment

MSC:  NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity

NOT:  CONCEPT(S): Clinical Judgment; Safety; Infection

2. The nurse is assessing a patient’s mouth and notes white, milk curd-appearing plaques attached to the oral mucosa. Which condition is present?

ANS:  A

Thrush is characterized by white, milk curd-appearing plaques that are attached to the oral mucosa. Canker sores can appear as ulcers 0.5 to 2 cm in diameter on surfaces that are not attached to bone, such as the tongue, gums, or inner lining of the cheeks and lips. Cold sores (“fever blisters”) are most commonly found at the junction of the mucous membrane and the skin of the lips or nostrils, although they can occur inside the mouth, especially affecting the gums and roof of the mouth. Mucositis is a general term used to describe a painful inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Knowledge            REF:   Page 485        OBJ:   1

TOP:   Nursing Process Step: Assessment

MSC:  NCLEX Client Needs Category: Health Promotion and Maintenance

NOT:  CONCEPT(S): Clinical Judgment; Infection

3. What is the primary pharmacologic therapy for Candida albicans?

ANS:  B

Candida albicans is the most common oral infection appearing in extremely debilitated patients. Medications that predispose a person to C. albicans infections are those that depress the immune system and those that cause xerostomia. C. albicans is a fungus and therefore is treated with antifungal agents such as nystatin (Mycostatin). Steroids, topical anesthetics, and topical anti-inflammatory agents are not used to treat C. albicans.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Knowledge            REF:   Page 485        OBJ:   1 | 2

TOP:   Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX Client Needs Category: Health Promotion and Maintenance

NOT:  CONCEPT(S): Clinical Judgment; Infection

4. Which condition is treated by saliva substitutes?

ANS:  C

Xerostomia, or lack of saliva, originates from nonoral causes. Xerostomia is treated by discontinuing medications that dry the mucous membranes or by artificial saliva products. Dentifrices are used to treat caries. Saliva substitutes are not used to treat mucositis. Mouthwash is used to treat halitosis, along with dentifrices.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Knowledge            REF:   Page 486        OBJ:   1 | 2

TOP:   Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX Client Needs Category: Health Promotion and Maintenance

NOT:  CONCEPT(S): Clinical Judgment; Nutrition