There are countless examples of the interconnectedness between the organ systems of the human body in health as well as disease. Celiac disease is no exception, as this disorder links the digestive system with the immune system and the integumentary system. Dermatitis herpetiformis is a very itchy rash that appears on the skin and occasionally within the oral cavity. This autoimmune rash only appears in individuals with celiac disease, but only 15-20% of individuals with celiac disease will develop this rash. The immune system produces IgA complexes that collect in the dermal layers where they trigger an intense immune response. The rash can be controlled and eventually eliminated when a gluten-free diet is instituted.

A patient has been taking large doses of diphenhydramine, an over-the-counter antihistamine medication, for a severely pruritic (itchy) skin rash. The medication has caused her to develop a very dry mouth (xerostomia). Which of the following statements inaccurately describes how xerostomia would affect a process associated with saliva?

There are countless examples of the interconnectedness between the organ systems of the human body in health as well as disease. Celiac disease is no exception, as this disorder links the digestive system with the immune system and the integumentary system. Dermatitis herpetiformis is a very itchy rash that appears on the skin and occasionally within the oral cavity. This autoimmune rash only appears in individuals with celiac disease, but only 15-20% of individuals with celiac disease will develop this rash. The immune system produces IgA complexes that collect in the dermal layers where they trigger an intense immune response. The rash can be controlled and eventually eliminated when a gluten-free diet is instituted.

A patient has been taking large doses of diphenhydramine, an over-the-counter antihistamine medication, for a severely pruritic (itchy) skin rash. The medication has caused her to develop a very dry mouth (xerostomia). Which of the following statements inaccurately describes how xerostomia would affect a process associated with saliva?

a. Xerostomia would lead to a dramatic increase in Hydrogen ions (H⁺) that are added to saliva as a means for neutralizing bicarbonate ions that may be regurgitated into the esophagus during eating.

b. Xerostomia would increase the secretion of secretory IgA found in saliva enhancing saliva-mediated pathogen destruction.

c. Xerostomia would increase the secretion salivary amylase, which initiates carbohydrate digestion.

d. Xerostomia would increase the secretion of lysozyme in saliva enhancing the bacteria-killing properties of saliva.