Nose, Mouth and Throat

Question 1

What is rhinorrhea?

Answer 1

Nasal discharge

Question 2

When does rhinorrhea occur?

Answer 2

Cold, allergies, sinus infections and trauma

Question 3

Why would we ask if a patient has unusually frequent or severe colds?

Answer 3

Because most people have occasional colds, so asking this gives us more meaningful information

Question 4

Why would we ask if there has ever been any trauma to nose?

Answer 4

Can cause deviated septum which can cause nare obstruction

Question 5

What is epistaxis?

Answer 5

Nose bleeding

Question 6

What is the proper way to deal with a nosebleed

Answer 6

Sit up, tilt head forward and pinch nose for 5-15 minutes

Question 7

What is allergic rhinitis is seasonal if ______ and perennial if allergen is ______

Answer 7

• caused by pollen

- dust

Question 8

Why do we ask if patient uses inhalers, nasal sprays or nose drops?

Answer 8

Misuse of over-the-counter nasal meds can irritate mucosa, which causes rebound swelling

Question 9

Why would we ask if patient experiences sense of smell change?

Answer 9

Can be diminished with cigarette smoking or chronic allergies

Question 10

Why do we ask for patient history when asking about mouth and throat?

Answer 10

To determine whether oral lesions have infectious, traumatic, immunological or malignant causes

Question 11

What is periodontal disease associated with?

Answer 11

Cardiovascular, diabetes, pulmonary infections, osteoporosis and low birth rate

Question 12

Why do be ask “do you usually get a throat culture for sore throats? Were any documented as strep throat”

Answer 12

Untreated streptococcal infections may lead to rheumatic fever

Question 13

What can bleeding gums mean?

Answer 13

• If patient just began flossing, it is normal

- If more frequent bleeding from brushing/flossing, may indicate periodontal disease or a clotting disorder

Question 14

What can the feeling of a ‘lump in your throat’ mean

Answer 14

Hoarseness: a disorder of the larynx

Question 15

What can cause hoarseness?

Answer 15

• Overuse of the voice
• Upper Respiratory Infection
• Chronic Inflammation
• Lesions
• Neoplasm

Question 16

What is oropharyngeal dysphagia?

Answer 16

• difficulty in safe transfer of liquid or food bolus from mouth to esophagus

Question 17

What is esophageal dysphagia?

Answer 17

difficulty passing food down the esophagus to the stomach

Question 18

What are some other causes of dysphagia?

Answer 18

• head and neck cancer
• esophageal cancer
• Head trauma
• Decreased alertness
• Progressive neurological disease

Question 19

Dysphagia is present in at least half of individuals with____

Answer 19

Acute stroke

Question 20

If dysphagia is not treated, what can it cause

Answer 20

• Aspiration pneumonia
• Malnutrition
• Dehydration
• Reduced quality of life

Question 21

What can be done for those who suffer from dysphagia?

Answer 21

• Language pathology who can suggest dietary modification, good oral care, rest at least 30 minutes after meal in upright position

Question 22

What is odynophagia? What can it mean?

Answer 22

• a burning or sharp pain when swallowing: mucosal inflammation
• cramping squeezing pain: muscular cause

Question 23

Why do we ask about alcohol/ smoking consumption in relation to mouth and throat

Answer 23

• Chronic tobacco use: tooth loss, coronal and root caries and peridontal disease in older adults

Question 24

Chronic tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption can increase what type of cancer in regards to mouth/throat

Answer 24

Oral and pharyngeal cancer

Question 25

How often should a patient go to the dentist? Why?

Answer 25

Every 6 months, necessary for promotion and maintenance of oral health

Question 26

Why do we ask if patient has sore/irritated palate or gums?

Answer 26

Lesions can be caused by ill-fitting dentures or presence of dentures may mask eruption of a new lesion

Question 27

How can dental coverage affect oral care?

Answer 27

1/3 do not have coverage which can affect self-care behaviours

Question 28

What is xerostomia?

Answer 28

Mouth dryness

Question 29

What are some medications that can cause xerostomia?

Answer 29

antidepressants, anticholinergics, antihypertensives, antipsychotics and bronchodilators

Question 30

Why do we ask older adults with they’ve lost any teeth and whether they can chew all types of food?

Answer 30

Could cause them to decrease in eating meat, vegetables and tooth-cleansing foods like apples

Question 31

Why do we ask older adults about mouth care?

Answer 31

Self-care may decrease with physical ability, vision loss, confusion or depression

Question 32

Why do we ask older adults whether they notice a change in sense of taste or smell

Answer 32

• Some add extra salt/sugar when taste diminishes

- Spoiled foods, natural gas leaks or smoke from a fire may not be detected