ADEX Pharmacology and Pain Management 2

Question 1

Which analgesic mechanism is responsible for the anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic effects of ibuprofen?

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes and prostaglandin synthesis

Answer

NSAIDs like ibuprofen inhibit COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, blocking arachidonic acid conversion to prostaglandins that mediate inflammation and pain.

Question 2

A patient taking warfarin requires post-operative analgesia after a dental hygiene procedure. Which analgesic is safest to recommend?

Accepted Answer

Acetaminophen

Answer

Acetaminophen does not inhibit platelet function or significantly affect INR, making it the safest OTC analgesic for patients on anticoagulant therapy.

Question 3

Which drug interaction should a dental hygienist be aware of when a patient reports taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)?

Accepted Answer

Avoid epinephrine in local anesthetic; use plain mepivacaine

Answer

MAOIs inhibit catecholamine breakdown, and epinephrine can cause dangerous hypertensive crisis; plain anesthetics without vasoconstrictors are recommended.

Question 4

Which antibiotic is the first-line prophylaxis recommendation for patients with cardiac conditions requiring infective endocarditis (IE) prevention before dental procedures?

Accepted Answer

Amoxicillin 2 g orally 30–60 minutes before the procedure

Answer

The AHA recommends amoxicillin 2 g orally 30–60 minutes before high-risk dental procedures as the first-line IE prophylaxis in adults.

Question 5

Chlorhexidine gluconate (0.12%) mouth rinse used in the dental setting is classified as which type of agent?

Accepted Answer

Broad-spectrum antibacterial and antiplaque agent

Answer

Chlorhexidine is a cationic bisguanide with broad antibacterial activity; it binds to oral tissues (substantivity) and disrupts bacterial cell membranes.

ADEX - Dental Hygiene Exam Practice Test

ADEX - Dental Hygiene Exam Practice Test

ADEX Pharmacology and Pain Management 2