Dryness of the mouth is also called?

Appeared in: DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-1)

Explanation

Xerostomia is the specific medical term for the subjective feeling of a dry mouth.
This condition results from a significant reduction (around 50%) in salivary flow from the salivary glands.
It is not a disease itself but a symptom of an underlying medical condition or a side effect of medications, such as anticholinergics, antidepressants, and diuretics.

Option A: Turgidity refers to the state of being swollen or firm from fluid, which is the opposite of dryness. It is commonly used to describe skin elasticity when assessing hydration.
Option C: Glossitis is the inflammation specifically of the tongue, characterized by swelling, pain, and changes in surface texture or color. While a dry mouth can accompany it, glossitis itself is not the term for dryness.
Option D: Stomatitis is a broad term for inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the mouth, which can include sores, redness, and swelling. It does not specifically mean dryness.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Medical Terminology for Oral Conditions as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Assessing for xerostomia is a key nursing responsibility, as it significantly impacts a patient's comfort, nutritional status, and risk for oral infections and dental decay.
Nurses must review patient medications, as many common drugs (e.g., antihypertensives, antidepressants, diuretics) cause xerostomia. This may require advocating for alternatives or implementing palliative measures.
Patient education on managing xerostomia through oral hygiene, diet, and saliva substitutes is a crucial nursing intervention to improve quality of life and prevent complications.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of medical terminology.
First, identify the key concept in the question stem, which is 'Dryness of the mouth'.
Next, analyze each option by recalling its definition.
Turgidity relates to fullness or swelling from fluid, the opposite of dryness.
Glossitis specifically refers to inflammation of the tongue (from the Greek 'glossa').
Stomatitis refers to general inflammation of the mouth (from the Greek 'stoma'), but not specifically dryness.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 748-750

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 307-309

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 542-544

Practise the full DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-1)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.