Cracking or ulceration of lips and angles of the mouth is known as?

PGIMS Rohtak NO - 2017

Medical Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: PGIMS Rohtak NO - 2017

Explanation

Cheilosis, also known as angular cheilitis, is the specific medical term for inflammation and cracking at the corners of the mouth.
This condition involves dryness, scaling, and the formation of painful fissures at the labial commissures (angles of the mouth).
It is a classic sign of nutritional deficiencies, most notably a lack of riboflavin (vitamin B2), but can also be caused by iron deficiency, fungal infections, or mechanical irritation.

Option A: Pyorrhoea refers to advanced periodontal disease characterized by inflammation of the gums and the discharge of pus from the gum line. It affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, not the corners of the mouth.
Option B: Calculus, commonly known as tartar, is hardened dental plaque that builds up on the surfaces of the teeth. It does not describe a condition of the lips or corners of the mouth.
Option D: Sordes refers to the accumulation of crusts on the lips and teeth, consisting of food debris, microorganisms, and epithelial cells. It is typically seen in patients who are very ill, febrile, and dehydrated, and who are unable to perform oral hygiene. While it affects the lips, it describes crusting over the surface rather than cracking at the angles.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Terminology of Oral Cavity Abnormalities as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Recognizing cheilosis is a key nursing assessment skill, as it can be an early indicator of underlying nutritional deficiencies or local infections that require intervention.
Patient education is crucial. Nurses should teach patients about dietary sources of B vitamins (milk, eggs, meat, green vegetables) and iron, as well as proper oral hygiene to prevent recurrence.
What if? If a patient with cheilosis also wears dentures, the nurse's priority assessment should include checking the fit of the dentures. Ill-fitting dentures can cause saliva to pool at the corners of the mouth, creating a moist environment that promotes fungal growth (Candida), which is a common cause of angular cheilitis.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the keywords in the question: "cracking," "ulceration," "lips," and "angles of the mouth." This points to a specific condition affecting the corners of the lips.
Evaluate each option based on your knowledge of medical terminology related to the oral cavity.
Pyorrhoea relates to pus from the gums. Eliminate this option.
Calculus is tartar on teeth. Eliminate this option.
Cheilosis is derived from 'cheilo-' (lip) and '-osis' (condition), fitting the description of a lip disorder. This is a strong candidate.
Sordes refers to crusts on the lips/teeth of very ill patients, which is different from cracking at the angles. Eliminate this option.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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