Question

Samara P. is a 30 year old African American nurse who works in the public health clinic with you. She was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythamtosus 10 years ago and is being treated with methotrexate, prednisone, calcium supplements, and ibuprofen. She often jokes in the cafeteria that she would "rather have another baby" than come visit the dental clinic. Her new physician has read the studies linking oral and systemic health and insists that she make an appointment for a prophylaxis and a complete dental checkup. When you take her back to your treatment area and assess her vital signs, her blood pressure is 160/100 mm Hg and her pulse rate is 100 bpm, which, she states, are her usual readings. After taking her radiographs and performing a thorough assessment, you formulate a dental hygiene diagnosis of moderate bone loss and moderate periodontitis, although her oral hygiene is excellent. You have just started cling the upper right quadrant when she complains of severe stomach pain and then lapses into unconsciousness. You reassess her blood pressure, and it has dropped to 80/60 mm Hg. You immediately dial 911.

What is the basis of the anti-inflammatory action of glucocorticoids?
A. Increase in concentration of neutrophils
B. Decrease in concentration of neutrophils
C. Increase in T and B lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils
D. Decrease in T and B lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils
E. Increase in production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes from arachidonic acid
F. Decrease in production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes from arachidonic acid
G. A, D, and F
H. B, C, and E

Answer 1

The anti-inflammatory action of glucocorticoids like prednisone and hydrocortisone is based on the decrease in production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which reduces immune response and inflammation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The basis of the anti-inflammatory action of glucocorticoids is the decrease in production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes from arachidonic acid. Therefore, the correct answer to the question about the anti-inflammatory action of glucocorticoids is F. Decrease in production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes from arachidonic acid.

Glucocorticoids, such as prednisone and hydrocortisone, help to control inflammatory and immune responses by inhibiting enzymes responsible for prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis. This results in a decreased immune response and reduced inflammation. Such drugs are commonly used to treat conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases.