Final answer:
White, curd-like lesions on an older patient's tongue are most likely caused by candidiasis or oral thrush, a condition tied to an overgrowth of Candida yeast, treatable with antifungal medications. Option a.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most likely etiology for white, curd-like lesions on an older patient's tongue is candidiasis, also known as oral thrush. This condition occurs when there is an overgrowth of Candida yeast, particularly Candida albicans. Oral thrush commonly appears as white patches or pseudomembranes in the mouth and can be associated with bleeding. Treatment for oral thrush may include topical applications of nystatin or clotrimazole oral suspensions, and in serious cases, systemic antifungal medications like fluconazole, itraconazole or amphotericin B may be warranted, especially if the infection is severe or the Candida species is azole-resistant.
The most likely etiology for the presence of white, curd-like lesions on an older patient's tongue is a. Candidiasis. Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of the Candida yeast. It can manifest as oral thrush, which is characterized by the appearance of white patches and pseudomembranes in the mouth. Treatment for oral thrush may include topical or systemic antifungal medications.