Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What should a nurse encourage a client taking an anticholinergic medication to do if they complain of dry mouth?

1. Drink more water

2. Rinse mouth with mouthwash

3. Chew gum

4. Avoid food

The correct answer is: Rinse mouth with mouthwash

Encouraging a client taking an anticholinergic medication to rinse their mouth with mouthwash is a beneficial approach to alleviate dry mouth. Mouthwash can provide temporary relief by moisturizing the oral cavity, helping to cleanse the mouth and improve overall comfort. Many mouthwashes are formulated with ingredients that can soothe and refresh the mouth, which is especially helpful for individuals experiencing dry mouth as a side effect of certain medications. In the context of managing dry mouth, options such as drinking more water can help, but they may not be as effective or convenient for immediate relief as using mouthwash. Similarly, chewing gum could also stimulate saliva production, yet it may not address the discomfort that arises from a dry mouth as directly or effectively as rinsing. Avoiding food could lead to nutritional shortcomings and does not provide a solution to the problem of dryness; rather, it's important for maintaining an appropriate intake of nutrients. Thus, rinsing with mouthwash is a practical and targeted response to dry mouth symptoms linked to anticholinergic medication usage.