Inflammation of the tongue is called

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2022

Explanation

Glossitis is the specific medical term for inflammation of the tongue.
This condition can cause the tongue to swell, change color, and develop a different surface texture.
It is often a symptom of other underlying issues, such as nutritional deficiencies (vitamin B12, iron, folic acid), infections, or allergic reactions.

Option A: Stomatitis is a broader term for inflammation of the oral mucosa, which includes the entire lining of the mouth, not just the tongue.
Option C: Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums (gingiva), the tissue that surrounds the teeth.
Option D: Cheilosis refers to inflammation and cracking specifically at the corners of the mouth (angles of the lips).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Medical Terminology for Oral Inflammatory Conditions as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Accurate documentation using correct terminology (e.g., 'glossitis' vs. 'stomatitis') is crucial for clear communication within the healthcare team, ensuring proper diagnosis and treatment.
A nurse observing glossitis should consider assessing the patient for signs of nutritional deficiencies, recent allergic exposures, or systemic infections, as it is often a sign of an underlying problem.
What if? If the patient presented with painful, bleeding, and swollen tissue around the teeth, the correct term would be 'Gingivitis', indicating a different focus for oral hygiene intervention and patient education.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question testing knowledge of medical terminology.
Identify the key anatomical part in the question stem: 'tongue'.
Identify the key pathological process: 'inflammation'.
Recall or deduce the specific medical term for 'inflammation of the tongue' from the given options.
Systematically evaluate each option's prefix: 'Stoma-' relates to mouth/opening, 'Gingiva-' to gums, 'Cheil-' to lips, and 'Gloss-' to tongue. This confirms Glossitis is the correct choice.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 542-544

Practise the full RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2022

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