The gradual and progressive condition that causes a decline in memory and the ability to perform activities of daily living is called dementia. True or false?

Choice A reason: White patches on the tongue and mouth with dysphagia indicate oral thrush, a Candida albicans infection, common in hospitalized patients due to immunosuppression or antibiotics. Antifungal treatment is needed to prevent esophageal spread. Accurate diagnosis ensures timely therapy, critical for relieving symptoms and avoiding complications in vulnerable patients.

Choice B reason: Bad breath (halitosis) may accompany oral issues but doesn’t cause white patches or dysphagia, which indicate thrush. Assuming bad breath misdiagnoses the condition, delaying antifungal treatment and risking progression of Candida infection, potentially leading to systemic complications in long-term hospitalized patients with compromised immunity.

Choice C reason: Oral ulcers cause painful sores, not white patches or widespread dysphagia, unlike thrush’s creamy lesions. Misidentifying as ulcers risks inappropriate treatment, delaying antifungals needed for Candida. This error could worsen swallowing difficulties, compromising nutrition and recovery in hospitalized patients with suspected oral infections.

Choice D reason: Assuming nothing ignores white patches and dysphagia, clear signs of oral thrush in hospitalized patients. Neglecting these risks untreated Candida infection, potentially spreading to the esophagus or systemically, especially in immunocompromised patients. Prompt recognition and antifungal therapy are critical to prevent complications and ensure patient comfort.

Choice A reason: The Snellen chart tests visual acuity (cranial nerve II), not balance, which is assessed by cranial nerve VIII via the Romberg test. Misidentifying this risks incorrect neurological evaluation, potentially missing vestibular deficits, critical for diagnosing balance disorders like vertigo or labyrinthitis in patients with cranial nerve issues.

Choice B reason: The Rinne test assesses hearing (cranial nerve VIII) by comparing air and bone conduction, not balance, which the Romberg test evaluates. Assuming Rinne tests balance misguides assessment, risking oversight of vestibular dysfunction, essential for diagnosing conditions affecting equilibrium in patients with suspected nerve VIII issues.

Choice C reason: The Weber test evaluates hearing lateralization (cranial nerve VIII), not balance, assessed by the Romberg test. Misidentifying Weber risks missing balance deficits, potentially delaying diagnosis of vestibular disorders like Meniere’s disease, critical for managing symptoms and preventing falls in patients with cranial nerve VIII dysfunction.

Choice D reason: The Romberg test assesses balance (cranial nerve VIII’s vestibular component) by evaluating posture with eyes closed, detecting vestibular or proprioceptive deficits. It’s critical for diagnosing balance disorders, guiding interventions like vestibular therapy, essential for preventing falls and managing conditions affecting equilibrium in patients with nerve VIII issues.