The nurse is caring for an older-adult patient with Alzheimer's disease who is ambulatory but requires total assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). The nurse notices that the patient is edentulous. Which area should the nurse assess?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Edentulous means without teeth; therefore, the nurse needs to assess the oral cavity. While older adults may want the room warmer and drafts should be avoided, this does not help with being edentulous. Edentulous does not mean the patient has edema. While older-adult patients can have reduced sensations, this is not the meaning of edentulous.

The Nurse Is Caring for an Older-Adult Patient with Alzheimer's