An 85-year-old patient is brought to the emergency department with lethargy and hypotension.When the nurse assesses the patient's tongue,she notes that it appears dry and furry.This finding suggests:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A dry,furry tongue is associated with dehydration.A black,hairy tongue is characteristic of a fungal infection.Absence of papillae,reddened mucosa,and ulcerations may indicate allergy.Patients who have a deficiency of iron may have a smooth,red tongue.

An 85-Year-Old Patient Is Brought to the Emergency Department with Lethargy