Is the loss of teeth or supporting periodontium often associated with poor food selection and limited chewing ability, and do the patients' masticatory efficiency and biting force decline with each tooth lost?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Both statements are indeed true. The loss of teeth or supporting periodontium frequently leads to poor food selection and limited chewing ability, as these conditions can make certain foods difficult to consume. Additionally, a patient's masticatory efficiency and biting force do decline with each tooth lost, as there are fewer teeth to distribute the force of the bite. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they suggest that one or both of these statements are false, which is not the case.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Individuals with a loss of smell are typically inclined to eat less because the enjoyment of food is diminished due to the lack of taste. However, they may compensate for this loss by consuming more sweets or using more spices. Therefore, they are less inclined to lose weight because of the increased consumption of sweets and spices, not because they eat less. Choice 'A' is incorrect because individuals with loss of smell often use more spices to enhance the taste of their food. Choice 'B' is incorrect as they may indeed eat less due to the diminished enjoyment of food. Choice 'C' is also incorrect as they tend to eat and drink more sweets to compensate for their loss of taste.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Patients with periodontal disease may require increased protein intake due to the physiological response to inflammation and infection, which can negatively impact protein synthesis. Protein is essential for wound healing and tissue repair, and an infection can increase the body's protein requirements. Therefore, ensuring an adequate protein intake is particularly important for these patients. Choice A is correct because the statement and reason are both accurate and directly related to each other, supporting the increased protein needs in patients with periodontal disease. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately assess the relationship between the statement and the reason provided in the question.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The most likely nutrition-related side effect after head and neck surgery for cancer treatment is aspiration. This is due to changes in swallowing mechanics, which can cause food or liquids to be inhaled into the lungs. While acid reflux, dumping syndrome, and diarrhea are potential side effects related to nutrition, they are not as directly connected to head and neck surgery. Acid reflux is more often related to issues with the lower esophageal sphincter, dumping syndrome is typically a complication of gastric surgery, and diarrhea can have various causes, including certain medications or gastrointestinal illnesses.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'health care agent.' A health care agent is appointed through a durable power of attorney to make medical decisions on behalf of a patient who becomes incapacitated. The term 'witness' (choice A) is incorrect because a witness only observes the signing of the directive and does not make decisions. 'Primary caregiver' (choice B) is also incorrect as they may provide care but are not necessarily legally empowered to make decisions. 'State proxy' (choice D) is not commonly used in the context of advance directives or health care decision making, making it an incorrect choice.