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 who takes bisphosphonate medications (e.g., for osteoporosis) needs a tooth extraction. The dental assistant should recognize this as significant because:
Answer: Bisphosphonates are associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw, requiring dentist-physician consultation before surgery
Bisphosphonate use is a known risk factor for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), making pre-surgical physician consultation essential.
Which of the following patient behaviors is MOST associated with dental anxiety in adults?
Answer: Frequently canceling or avoiding appointments and reporting strong fear
Chronic appointment avoidance and verbal reports of fear are the strongest behavioral indicators of significant dental anxiety in adult patients.
A patient asks the dental assistant for a copy of their dental records. The correct response is to:
Answer: Inform the patient of the office's record release policy and initiate the formal request process
Under HIPAA, patients have the right to access their health records, and the office must follow its documented release procedure to fulfill the request.
When seating an elderly patient with limited mobility, the dental assistant should FIRST:
Answer: Ask the patient about any mobility limitations and offer assistance before moving the chair
Assessing mobility needs before adjusting the chair prevents falls and respects the patient's dignity and autonomy.
A patient reports they are pregnant (first trimester). Which dental procedures are generally considered safe to perform?
Answer: Routine preventive care such as cleaning and oral hygiene instruction
Routine preventive care is safe and encouraged during pregnancy; elective or invasive procedures are typically deferred until the second trimester or after delivery.
A patient with severe hypertension is scheduled for a simple restoration. The dental assistant notes the patient forgot their antihypertensive medication. The most appropriate action is to:
Answer: Inform the dentist so they can decide whether to proceed or reschedule
Missed antihypertensive medication can cause dangerous blood pressure elevation, so the dentist must evaluate the risk before proceeding with any treatment.
Which of the following is the most effective method for building long-term rapport with dental patients?
Answer: Consistently addressing patients by name, listening actively, and following up on previously discussed concerns
Personalized, attentive communication that acknowledges the patient as an individual builds trust and encourages regular dental attendance.