Nursing Elites

1. Each statement is true of calcium within saliva, except one. Which is the exception?

• A. Saliva is supersaturated with calcium.
• B. Saliva is a source of calcium to mineralize an immature or demineralized enamel surface.
• C. Calcium and phosphate in saliva provide a buffering action.
• D. Calcium within saliva increases dental caries.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Calcium within saliva does not increase dental caries; in fact, the buffering action provided by calcium and phosphate in saliva inhibits caries formation by preventing the dissolution of enamel by plaque biofilm. Choice A is correct as saliva is indeed supersaturated with calcium. Choice B is correct as saliva serves as a source of calcium to mineralize an immature or demineralized enamel surface. Choice C is correct as calcium and phosphate in saliva do provide a buffering action to protect teeth from acids.

2. Which is most likely to initiate periodontal disease?

• A. Nutrient deficiencies
• B. Nutrient excesses
• C. Nutrient imbalances
• D. Plaque biofilm

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Plaque biofilm is the primary initiator of periodontal disease, as it harbors bacteria that can lead to inflammation and destruction of the periodontal tissues.

3. A nurse is instructing a group of clients about nutrition. The nurse should include that which of the following is a trigger for the formation of vitamin D in the body?

• A. Calcium
• B. Vitamin A depletion
• C. Exposure to sunlight
• D. Weight-bearing exercise

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Exposure to sunlight is the trigger for the formation of vitamin D in the body. When the skin is exposed to sunlight, it produces vitamin D. This process is essential for maintaining healthy levels of vitamin D in the body. Calcium (Choice A) is important for bone health but is not the trigger for vitamin D formation. Vitamin A depletion (Choice B) does not directly trigger the formation of vitamin D. Weight-bearing exercise (Choice D) is crucial for bone health but is not directly related to the formation of vitamin D.

4. The parent of a child newly diagnosed with lactose intolerance is being taught by the nurse. Which food items identified by the parent indicate an understanding of foods to avoid?

• A. Popcorn, seeds, and any foods containing nuts.
• B. Milk, cheese, ice cream, and puddings.
• C. Wheat, rye, barley, and commercially baked goods.
• D. Eggs, ham, bacon, and canned meats.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Milk, cheese, ice cream, and puddings contain lactose, which individuals with lactose intolerance should avoid. Choices A, C, and D do not contain lactose and are not typically problematic for individuals with lactose intolerance.

5. Cariogenic foods and beverages, which are fermentable carbohydrates that can be metabolized by oral bacteria, reduce salivary pH to what critical level?

• A. 5
• B. 5.5
• C. 6
• D. 6.5

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cariogenic foods and beverages lower the pH level in the mouth to below 5.5. This is a critical threshold, as it is the point at which enamel begins to demineralize, increasing the risk of dental caries. Therefore, options 'A', 'C', and 'D' are incorrect. Although a pH level of 5, as suggested by option 'A', would indeed lead to demineralization, it's not the threshold value. The pH levels suggested by options 'C' and 'D' (6 and 6.5, respectively) are higher than the critical value of 5.5, which means they would not initiate enamel demineralization and the subsequent risk of dental caries.

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