Patient Management Flashcards
7 cards from real ADAP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Patient Management flashcards as text
A patient with a latex allergy arrives for a dental appointment. What is the FIRST action the dental assistant should take?
Answer: Alert the entire dental team and ensure a latex-free environment is prepared
A latex allergy can cause anaphylaxis, so the entire team must be notified and all latex-containing items removed before the patient enters the treatment area.
When a patient begins crying during treatment, the most appropriate response from the dental assistant is to:
Answer: Pause, offer a tissue, and allow the patient time to compose themselves
Acknowledging a patient's emotional state with empathy and allowing them time to compose themselves helps build trust and reduces dental anxiety.
A patient refuses to open their mouth for radiographs. The best approach is to:
Answer: Document the refusal and inform the dentist
Patient refusal must be documented in the chart and communicated to the dentist, who will determine the next course of action.
Which behavior indicates a patient may have untreated domestic violence injuries?
Answer: Inconsistent explanations for facial injuries and reluctance to discuss them
Inconsistent injury explanations combined with reluctance to discuss them are red flags that may indicate domestic violence, and the dental team has a duty to report suspicions.
A pediatric patient's parent insists on staying in the operatory during treatment. The dental assistant should:
Answer: Allow the parent to stay if the dentist approves and it does not interfere with care
Parent presence during a child's dental treatment is often beneficial and is permitted when the dentist agrees and it does not compromise care quality.
Which of the following best describes the 'tell-show-do' technique in patient management?
Answer: Explaining what will happen, demonstrating it, then performing the procedure
Tell-show-do is a behavior guidance technique where the assistant explains the procedure, demonstrates it on a model or instrument, then performs it on the patient.
A patient states they have not eaten in 12 hours before a morning appointment. The dental assistant should:
Answer: Notify the dentist, as fasting can affect patient tolerance and blood sugar levels
Prolonged fasting can cause hypoglycemia and dizziness, so the dentist must be informed to assess whether it is safe to proceed with treatment.