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.