NURS 3130 Chapter Notes - Chapter 37: Grapefruit Juice, Dental Caries, Naringin
Document Summary
Chapter 37: mental health assessment of older adults. Intellectual function, capacity for change, and productive engagement with life remain stable. The most common mental health problems in older persons are depression, anxiety disorders, and dementia which commonly occur with somatic conditions. The nurse should note any weight loss of more than 10 pounds. Xerostomia, or dry mouth, which is common in older adults, also may impair eating. The nurse should pay particular attention to those who are currently receiving treatment for mental illnesses, particularly with medications that have anticholinergic properties. Dry mouth is also a side effect of many other anticholinergic medications, such as cimetidine, digoxin, and furosemide. Frequent rinsing with a nonalcohol-based mouthwash will help to correct the dry condition. Observe for the frequent use of candy or sugar-based gum for these clients because dental caries and gum disease provide a portal of entry for sepsis in older adults.
