The nurse is caring for a patient with Sjögren's syndrome. Which of the following interventions are important for this patient?

Explanation

• Sjögren's syndrome is a systemic autoimmune disease that affects exocrine glands. This causes a deficiency in saliva, tears, skin lubrication, and other exocrine secretions.

• Offering frequent drinks of water or sugar-free soda helps wet the mouth. Chewing sugar-free gum also helps make more saliva. 

• A dry mouth is more prone to oral infections. It is important to assess the oral mucosa daily for reddened or white patches.

• Artificial tears should be administered PRN to provide relief from dry eyes, which is a common symptom for patients with Sjögren's syndrome.

• Corticosteroids should be administered as ordered for inflammation and to dampen the immune response.

• Anticholinergics would worsen the dry mouth and eyes and are contraindicated.

• Assessing major motor reflexes are not of particular importance for this patient.

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