Question 1

Bisphosphonates alter or inhibit the ability of specific cells to resorb leading to suppression of bone turnover. What is the name of the cell responsible for bone resorption?

Accepted Answer

Osteoclasts are needed in the body's normal process of breaking down bone cell in preparation for the re-creation of bone by osteoblasts to replace older and damaged tissue. Osteoblast are involved in cell production. Osteblastoma do not exist. Osteoclastoma is incorrect.

Question 2

Alteration of taste occurs because of which of the following cancer therapies?

Accepted Answer

If the tongue is in the path of the irradiation beam, the tongue's ability to perceive taste is altered. Though chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and blood stem cell transplantation therapy often alters or destroys cells, loss of taste is not a direct effect of any of these cancer treatments.

Question 3

All of the following are considered to be a measure to manage for radiation-induced mucositis except:

Accepted Answer

Alcohol- and phenol-based mouth rinses are considered too harsh to use on very painful mucosal tissue. Prescribed local anesthetics, baking soda and salt-based mouth rinse, and OTC or prescribed systemic analgesics are considered to be acceptable options to manage radiation-induced mucositis.

Question 4

Xerostomia because of thickened, reduced, or absent salivary flow compromises speaking, chewing, and swallowing. Because damaged salivary glands from radiation are not permanently damaged; these conditions are temporary.

Accepted Answer

Xerostomia due to thickened, reduced, or absent salivary flow compromises speaking, chewing, and swallowing because of radiation therapy. Unfortunately, salivary glands are permanently damaged from the radiation and the conditions are often permanent.

Question 5

Between 2004 and 2008, the incidence rate for oral cancer decreased in women and stabilized for men. Unfortunately, cancers of the lip, associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV), have seen an increase in recent years.

Accepted Answer

Although there was a decrease in the incidence rate for oral cancer in women and stabilization during this time, the HPV affects primarily the oropharynx area and not the lip.

Question 6

The administration of bisphosphonates as an adjunct treatment of metastasized cancer can lead to which of the following oral lesions?

Accepted Answer

The administration of bisphosphonates as an adjunct treatment of metastasized cancer can lead to osteonecrosis. Osteoradionecrosis is a result of exposure to radiation therapy. Osteochemonecrosis does not exist. Osteoimmunonecrosis does not exist.

Question 7

Which of the following is not a possible cause of cancer as stated by the American Cancer Society?

Accepted Answer

Fluoridated water has been deemed safe and is not identified by the American Cancer Society as a cancer-causing agent. Cigarette smoking, human papillomavirus, and poor nutrition and inactivity have been identified as potential cancer causing agents.

Question 8

Which of the following oral infections is not caused by a decrease in immune response (immunosuppression) because of chemotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Dysphagial infection is not an actual condition. Dysphagia is the inability to swallow. Fungal, viral, and bacterial infections all can occur as a result of a decrease in immune response (immunosuppression) because of chemotherapy.

Question 9

During cancer therapy, dental hygiene education should focus on:

Accepted Answer

Clients often experience fear and anxiety during cancer treatment. A review of possible oral complications from cancer therapy may help clients prepare for the impending oral pain and inability to eat. Recommending oral rinses, an extra soft toothbrush, and reinforcing the need for fluoride treatments will assist the client getting through treatment as comfortable as possible. Dental treatment and oral hygiene debridement should be provided before cancer therapy. The dental examination and treatment planning should be performed as soon after the cancer diagnosis as possible and well before for therapy begins at all possible. Dental hygiene education should be incorporated into all stages of cancer therapy.

Question 10

Infection because of a decreased immune response is common in clients receiving chemotherapy. This lowered immune response is the result of:

Accepted Answer

Myelosuppression is a result of the chemotherapy destroying bone marrow essential to the replenishment of white and red blood cells necessary to support a strong immune system thus becoming immunosuppressed. Neurotoxicity is the result of nerve damage from chemotherapy. Thrombocytopenia is the reduction of the clotting factors. Telangiectasia is a vascular lesion of dilated small blood vessels.

Quiz 45: Oral Care of Persons With Cancer