According to Healthy People 2020, older adults have been identified as a priority, addressing goals to improve dental health. Identify the correct dental health goals for older adults. (Select all that apply.)

Choice A: Use an antifungal cleanser daily. This is not a correct answer. Antifungal cleansers are not recommended for treating fungal infections, as they can irritate the skin and disrupt the natural balance of the skin flora¹. Antifungal cleansers may also reduce the effectiveness of other antifungal medications².

Choice B: Eliminate the conditions that created the problem. This is a correct answer. Fungal infections are often caused by factors that create a favorable environment for fungi to grow, such as moisture, warmth, poor hygiene, or weakened immunity³. Eliminating these conditions can help prevent or treat fungal infections by reducing the fungal load and restoring the skin barrier.

Choice C: Thoroughly clean and dry skin daily. This is also a correct answer. Cleaning and drying the skin daily can help remove dirt, sweat, and dead skin cells that can harbor fungi and cause infections. Drying the skin well, especially in the folds and creases, can also prevent moisture buildup that can promote fungal growth.

Choice D: Apply 4x4 dressings to the affected site.This is not a correct answer. Applying dressings to the affected site can trap moisture and heat, which can worsen fungal infections. Dressings may also interfere with the absorption of topical antifungal medications. Dressings are only indicated for fungal infections that cause open wounds or ulcers, and they should be changed frequently and kept clean and dry..

Choice A reason: Demonstrating commitment to the special needs of the geriatric client by means of board-certification is the primary purpose of geriatric nursing certifications, as it shows that the nurse has met the standards of knowledge, skills, and practice in the field of gerontology. Board-certification also indicates that the nurse is dedicated to providing quality care and improving outcomes for the older adult population.

Choice B reason: Raising the level of professionalism for the geriatric facility is not the primary purpose of geriatric nursing certifications, as it is a secondary benefit that may result from having certified nurses on staff. Professionalism is not only determined by the credentials of the nurses, but also by their attitudes, behaviors, and values.

Choice C reason: Assuring the basic competency of the geriatric nurse is not the primary purpose of geriatric nursing certifications, as it is a minimum requirement that should be met by all nurses who work with older adults. Competency is not only measured by passing an exam, but also by demonstrating clinical judgment, ethical decision-making, and lifelong learning.

Choice D reason: Addressing the current shortage of specialized geriatric nurses is not the primary purpose of geriatric nursing certifications, as it is a challenge that cannot be solved by certifications alone. The shortage of geriatric nurses is influenced by many factors, such as the aging population, the lack of interest and incentives, and the high turnover and burnout rates.

Choice E reason: None of the above is not the correct answer, as there is one choice that is the primary purpose of geriatric nursing certifications.