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.

Which is the most likely explanation for Samara's periodontal condition, given that she has good oral hygiene?
A. Steroid use
B. Hereditary components
C. Systemic effect of lupus
D. Local effect of lupus

Answer 1

The most likely explanation for Samara's periodontal condition is the systemic effect of lupus.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most likely explanation for Samara's periodontal condition, given that she has good oral hygiene, is the systemic effect of lupus. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can cause body-wide tissue damage, including the oral tissues. The immune dysfunction in SLE can lead to chronic inflammation and damage to the gums and supporting structures, resulting in periodontal disease.