When assessing the tongue of patient in the outpatient clinic, a nurse observes bluish-white lesions on the mucous membranes.When reviewing the patient history, the nurse notes the patient has been on long-term antibiotic therapy for chronic prostatitis.What should the nurse suspect?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The observation of bluish-white lesions on the mucous membranes is characteristic of thrush, which is a fungal infection of the mouth. Long-term antibiotic therapy can disrupt the normal oral flora and increase the risk of developing thrush. Aphthous stomatitis presents as painful ulcers on the oral mucosa, herpes simplex type I presents as vesicles on the lips, and oral cancer presents as a persistent sore or growth in the mouth.

When Assessing the Tongue of Patient in the Outpatient Clinic