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.

The most extensive use of the corticosteroids in medicine and dentistry is for treatment of a wide variety of inflammatory and allergic conditions. These agents cure as well as ameliorate symptoms because of the inflammatory process.
A. Both statements are true
B. Both statements are false
C. The first statement is true; the second statement is false
D. The first statement is false; the second statement is true

Answer 1

The correct answer is C: The first statement is true; the second statement is false. Corticosteroids are extensively used to treat inflammatory and allergic conditions by managing symptoms, not curing the conditions. They are critical in treating diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus, but long-term use can lead to immune suppression.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first statement regarding the extensive use of corticosteroids in medicine and dentistry for the treatment of a wide variety of inflammatory and allergic conditions is true. Corticosteroids like prednisone are crucial in reducing inflammation and managing symptoms in conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) rheumatoid arthritis, and asthma. However the second statement that suggests corticosteroids can cure these conditions is false; they do not cure the diseases but rather help manage and alleviate symptoms. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is C: The first statement is true; the second statement is false. Corticosteroids including the ones Samara P. is prescribed, function by down-regulating the immune response.

While they are effective in managing symptoms, long-term use can lead to complications, such as increased susceptibility to infections, due to the suppression of the immune system. In Samara's case, the use of corticosteroids is to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease with symptoms such as joint arthritis, rash, and organ inflammation.