Patient Safety & Risk Management Flashcards
7 cards from real CDC 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 Safety & Risk Management flashcards as text
A dental consultant reviews a case where nitrous oxide was administered without a written consent form. This represents a failure in:
Answer: Informed consent documentation
Written informed consent should be obtained before administering sedation agents such as nitrous oxide as part of patient safety standards.
Which action best reduces cross-contamination between patients in a dental operatory?
Answer: Using surface disinfectants rated for intermediate-level disinfection on clinical contact surfaces
EPA-registered intermediate-level surface disinfectants are required for clinical contact surfaces that may be contaminated with blood or saliva.
A patient discloses taking warfarin before an extraction. The primary risk management concern is:
Answer: Increased bleeding risk requiring anticoagulation management before the procedure
Warfarin increases bleeding risk; the dentist must assess INR levels and coordinate with the prescribing physician before surgical procedures.
An 'occurrence' malpractice insurance policy covers claims based on:
Answer: When the incident occurred, regardless of when the claim is filed
Occurrence policies provide coverage for incidents that happen during the policy period, even if the claim is filed years after the policy ends.
Which patient record entry is LEAST defensible in a malpractice case?
Answer: A note reading 'pt. doing fine, no complaints'
Vague notes such as 'pt. doing fine' lack clinical specificity and do not demonstrate thorough assessment, weakening legal defensibility.
An anaphylactic reaction occurs after local anesthetic administration. What is the drug of choice for immediate management?
Answer: Epinephrine 1:1,000 intramuscular injection
Epinephrine 1:1,000 IM (typically in the anterolateral thigh) is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis due to its rapid bronchodilatory and vasopressor effects.
Under the ADA's Principles of Ethics, a dentist who knowingly submits false insurance claims is violating the principle of:
Answer: Veracity
Veracity requires dentists to be honest in all professional communications, including billing and insurance submissions.