GERONTOLOGY EXAM 3 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS UPDATED 2026-2027
# Term Definition
1 Age related changes affecting the oral
cavity. 1. Thinning of the epithelium and tissue atrophy in the
soft tissue of the oral cavity. 2. The number and
condition of dental restorations 3. Change in alignment
between adjacent teeth due to recession of the gums.
4. The taste buds of the tongue decrease in number
with a resulting hypogeusia. 5. Salivary function
decreases 6. Tooth loss due to severe osteoporosis. 7.
Worn down enamel.
2 Age related changes affecting the GI
system.
Begin before the age of 50 and gradually throughout
life. -Changes in the mouth, including loss of teeth,
periodontal disease, decline in sense of taste and smell,
and decreases in salivary secretion. -Decreased
esophageal motility. -Diminished gastric motility with
increased stomach emptying time. -Diminished capacity
of the gastric mucosa to resist damage from factors
such as NSAIDs and Helicobacter pylori. -Achlorhydria or
insufficient hydrochloric acid in the stomach. -
Decreased production of intrinsic factor leading to
pernicious anemia. -Decreased pancreas size with duct
hyperplasia and lobular fibrosis.
-Increased incidence of cholelithiasis(gallstones) and
decreased production of bile acid synthesis. -Decreased
liver size and blood flow. -Decreased thirst and hunger
drive due to cognitive changes or psychological
conditions such as depression. -Increased medication
use and possible adverse drug reactions
(anticholinergics, antihypertensives, iron and
calcium supplements, antiemetics, aluminum-containing
antacids, opiaes, and laxatives) -Diminished anal
sphincter tone and strength.
, 3 Potential barriers to maintaining good
oral hygiene in the elderly adult. Barriers to mouth care include lack of training and
knowledge about the importance of oral hygiene, lack of
perceived need for oral care, heavy workloads, and
resistance by older persons with dementia.
# Term Definition
4 Prevalence of and potential causes and
contributing factors, symptoms of The severity of periodontal diseases increases with age.
periodontal disease (gum disease) and Men are more likely than women to have more severe
gingivitis. gum disease, and older people at the lowest
socioeconomic level have the most severe periodontal
disease. Gingivitis results from bacterial colonization at
the gum margin and in the sulcus between the margin
and the tooth. Symptoms include inflammation of the
gums associated with redness, swelling, and a tendency
to bleed. Contributing risk factors include: Smoking,
diabetes, medications, poor nutrition, stress, illness,
and genetic susceptibility. Treatment: Chlorhexidine
(Peridex)
5 Negative effects of poor oral care.
1. Social isolation and depression 2. Systemic illness
such as aspiration pneumonia and perhaps heart
disease. 3. Periodontal disease, which can negatively
affect glycemic control in persons with diabetes. 4.
Malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies. 5. Pain, halitosis,
tooth loss, dental caries, periodontal disease. 6. Denture
stomatitis. **NOTE: Calcium channel blockers,
chemotherapeutic agents, dilantin, and
immunosupressants can cause or exacerbate gingival
problems.
, 6 Prevalence of and potential causes,
contributing factors, symptoms, and
diagnostic testing of oral and Diagnosed in 30,000 Americans every year which result
pharyngeal cancers. in about 8,000 deaths annually. African American men
have the highest rates of oral cancer, followed by
Caucasian men. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most
frequent cancer of the oral cavity and occurs most
often in older persons. Survival rate is about 50% with
mortality the highest for cancers of the tongue and the
lowest for cancers of the lips. Usually occurs in people
over the age of 45. Symptoms: a sore on the lip or
mouth that does not heal, a lump on the lip or in the
mouth, a whit or red patch on the gum, tongue, or
buccal mucosa, unusual bleeding, pain, or numbness in
the mouth, a feeling that something is always caught in
the throat, difficulty or pain with chewing or
swallowing, swelling of the jaw that changes the fit and
comfort of dentures, changes in the voice, and pain in
the ear. Contributing factors: tobacco use, chronic and
heavy alcohol use, sun exposure to the lips, history o
leukoplakia, erythroplakia. Dx testing: checking
histopathology of suspicious cells, CT,
MRI
# Term Definition
7 Prevalence of and potential causes and
contributing factors, symptoms of The most common oral problem occurring in the older
xerostomia. What are nursing adult. Can result from mouth breathing, dehydration
interventions to improve xerostomia? due to diuretic use, oxygen therapy, oral and systemic
diseases and head and neck radiation. THE MOST
COMMON CAUSE IS MEDICATIONS(tricyclic
antidepressants, sedatives, tranquilizers,
antihistamines, antihypertensives, alpha/beta blockers,
diuretics, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors,
cytotoxic agents,
antiparkinsonian agents, and anticonvulsant drugs.
Symptoms: altered taste, difficulty eating, chewing,
and swallowing, halitosis, chronic burning sensation in
the mouth, and intolerance to spicy foods. Nursing
interventions: 1. Urging regular dental evaluation 2.
Low sugar diet 3. Mouth rinses 4. Sugar free chewing
gum, hard candies, and mints 5. Artificial saliva and
mouth lubricants (salivart, xero-lube) 6. Bedside
humidifiers 7. Dietary modifications including
avoidance of foods known to be difficult o chew or
swallow.
, 8 Prevalence of and potential causes and
contributing factors, symptoms of oral Oral candidiasis is a frequent complication of dry
candidiasis. mouth and is treated with oral antifungal agents.
Persons who have diabetes and have high or elevated
glucose levels are at risk for candidiasis (thrush)
because the oral flora is altered and Candida albicans is
encouraged to overgrow. Symptoms: dry mouth
Treatment: rinsing with topical antifungal agents
(nystatin) four times a day for 2 weeks.
9
Are lemon and glycerine swabs No. Not only are they ineffective, but are in fact harmful
effective? and should not be used.
10 Prevalence of and potential causes and
contributing factors, symptoms, and Stomatitis is the inflammation of the mouth that is
treatment of stomatitis. frequently caused by chemotherapy agents and is a
common problem among older patients undergoing
cancer treatment. Eating and drinking can be painful,
and nutritional problems may occur as a result.
Treatments: meticulous oral hygiene, frequent use of a
mild saline mouthwash, and avoiding extremes of
hot, cold, or very spicy food and liquids. In extreme
cases the SUPER MIRACLE MOUTHWASH(swish and
spit solution of Benadryl, lidocaine, hydrocortisone,
tetracycline, and nystatin.
# Term Definition
11 Components and procedure of a
complete assessment of the oral cavity. A complete oral cavity assessment includes exam of the
lips, teeth, interior of the buccal mucosa, anterior and
base of the tongue, gums, soft and hard palate, and
back of the throat. Careful notation of any cracks,
lesions, ulcers, swelling, induration, gingival bleeding,
hypertrophy, or dental caries should be made in the
patient's record. Procedure: Wearing gloves, the nurse
should: 1. Lift the tongue with a 4x4 inch dressing to
examine the posterior surface. Observe any tremor,
coating, or deviation of the tongue. 2. The lymph nodes
of the head and neck should be carefully palpated and
any tenderness or enlargement should be noted. 3.
Teeth and/or dentures should be examined for fit and
condition.
ANSWERS UPDATED 2026-2027
# Term Definition
1 Age related changes affecting the oral
cavity. 1. Thinning of the epithelium and tissue atrophy in the
soft tissue of the oral cavity. 2. The number and
condition of dental restorations 3. Change in alignment
between adjacent teeth due to recession of the gums.
4. The taste buds of the tongue decrease in number
with a resulting hypogeusia. 5. Salivary function
decreases 6. Tooth loss due to severe osteoporosis. 7.
Worn down enamel.
2 Age related changes affecting the GI
system.
Begin before the age of 50 and gradually throughout
life. -Changes in the mouth, including loss of teeth,
periodontal disease, decline in sense of taste and smell,
and decreases in salivary secretion. -Decreased
esophageal motility. -Diminished gastric motility with
increased stomach emptying time. -Diminished capacity
of the gastric mucosa to resist damage from factors
such as NSAIDs and Helicobacter pylori. -Achlorhydria or
insufficient hydrochloric acid in the stomach. -
Decreased production of intrinsic factor leading to
pernicious anemia. -Decreased pancreas size with duct
hyperplasia and lobular fibrosis.
-Increased incidence of cholelithiasis(gallstones) and
decreased production of bile acid synthesis. -Decreased
liver size and blood flow. -Decreased thirst and hunger
drive due to cognitive changes or psychological
conditions such as depression. -Increased medication
use and possible adverse drug reactions
(anticholinergics, antihypertensives, iron and
calcium supplements, antiemetics, aluminum-containing
antacids, opiaes, and laxatives) -Diminished anal
sphincter tone and strength.
, 3 Potential barriers to maintaining good
oral hygiene in the elderly adult. Barriers to mouth care include lack of training and
knowledge about the importance of oral hygiene, lack of
perceived need for oral care, heavy workloads, and
resistance by older persons with dementia.
# Term Definition
4 Prevalence of and potential causes and
contributing factors, symptoms of The severity of periodontal diseases increases with age.
periodontal disease (gum disease) and Men are more likely than women to have more severe
gingivitis. gum disease, and older people at the lowest
socioeconomic level have the most severe periodontal
disease. Gingivitis results from bacterial colonization at
the gum margin and in the sulcus between the margin
and the tooth. Symptoms include inflammation of the
gums associated with redness, swelling, and a tendency
to bleed. Contributing risk factors include: Smoking,
diabetes, medications, poor nutrition, stress, illness,
and genetic susceptibility. Treatment: Chlorhexidine
(Peridex)
5 Negative effects of poor oral care.
1. Social isolation and depression 2. Systemic illness
such as aspiration pneumonia and perhaps heart
disease. 3. Periodontal disease, which can negatively
affect glycemic control in persons with diabetes. 4.
Malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies. 5. Pain, halitosis,
tooth loss, dental caries, periodontal disease. 6. Denture
stomatitis. **NOTE: Calcium channel blockers,
chemotherapeutic agents, dilantin, and
immunosupressants can cause or exacerbate gingival
problems.
, 6 Prevalence of and potential causes,
contributing factors, symptoms, and
diagnostic testing of oral and Diagnosed in 30,000 Americans every year which result
pharyngeal cancers. in about 8,000 deaths annually. African American men
have the highest rates of oral cancer, followed by
Caucasian men. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most
frequent cancer of the oral cavity and occurs most
often in older persons. Survival rate is about 50% with
mortality the highest for cancers of the tongue and the
lowest for cancers of the lips. Usually occurs in people
over the age of 45. Symptoms: a sore on the lip or
mouth that does not heal, a lump on the lip or in the
mouth, a whit or red patch on the gum, tongue, or
buccal mucosa, unusual bleeding, pain, or numbness in
the mouth, a feeling that something is always caught in
the throat, difficulty or pain with chewing or
swallowing, swelling of the jaw that changes the fit and
comfort of dentures, changes in the voice, and pain in
the ear. Contributing factors: tobacco use, chronic and
heavy alcohol use, sun exposure to the lips, history o
leukoplakia, erythroplakia. Dx testing: checking
histopathology of suspicious cells, CT,
MRI
# Term Definition
7 Prevalence of and potential causes and
contributing factors, symptoms of The most common oral problem occurring in the older
xerostomia. What are nursing adult. Can result from mouth breathing, dehydration
interventions to improve xerostomia? due to diuretic use, oxygen therapy, oral and systemic
diseases and head and neck radiation. THE MOST
COMMON CAUSE IS MEDICATIONS(tricyclic
antidepressants, sedatives, tranquilizers,
antihistamines, antihypertensives, alpha/beta blockers,
diuretics, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors,
cytotoxic agents,
antiparkinsonian agents, and anticonvulsant drugs.
Symptoms: altered taste, difficulty eating, chewing,
and swallowing, halitosis, chronic burning sensation in
the mouth, and intolerance to spicy foods. Nursing
interventions: 1. Urging regular dental evaluation 2.
Low sugar diet 3. Mouth rinses 4. Sugar free chewing
gum, hard candies, and mints 5. Artificial saliva and
mouth lubricants (salivart, xero-lube) 6. Bedside
humidifiers 7. Dietary modifications including
avoidance of foods known to be difficult o chew or
swallow.
, 8 Prevalence of and potential causes and
contributing factors, symptoms of oral Oral candidiasis is a frequent complication of dry
candidiasis. mouth and is treated with oral antifungal agents.
Persons who have diabetes and have high or elevated
glucose levels are at risk for candidiasis (thrush)
because the oral flora is altered and Candida albicans is
encouraged to overgrow. Symptoms: dry mouth
Treatment: rinsing with topical antifungal agents
(nystatin) four times a day for 2 weeks.
9
Are lemon and glycerine swabs No. Not only are they ineffective, but are in fact harmful
effective? and should not be used.
10 Prevalence of and potential causes and
contributing factors, symptoms, and Stomatitis is the inflammation of the mouth that is
treatment of stomatitis. frequently caused by chemotherapy agents and is a
common problem among older patients undergoing
cancer treatment. Eating and drinking can be painful,
and nutritional problems may occur as a result.
Treatments: meticulous oral hygiene, frequent use of a
mild saline mouthwash, and avoiding extremes of
hot, cold, or very spicy food and liquids. In extreme
cases the SUPER MIRACLE MOUTHWASH(swish and
spit solution of Benadryl, lidocaine, hydrocortisone,
tetracycline, and nystatin.
# Term Definition
11 Components and procedure of a
complete assessment of the oral cavity. A complete oral cavity assessment includes exam of the
lips, teeth, interior of the buccal mucosa, anterior and
base of the tongue, gums, soft and hard palate, and
back of the throat. Careful notation of any cracks,
lesions, ulcers, swelling, induration, gingival bleeding,
hypertrophy, or dental caries should be made in the
patient's record. Procedure: Wearing gloves, the nurse
should: 1. Lift the tongue with a 4x4 inch dressing to
examine the posterior surface. Observe any tremor,
coating, or deviation of the tongue. 2. The lymph nodes
of the head and neck should be carefully palpated and
any tenderness or enlargement should be noted. 3.
Teeth and/or dentures should be examined for fit and
condition.
