COM Patient Assessment & Evaluation 3

Question 1

During a case history intake, a parent reports their child is a restless sleeper, grinds teeth at night, and wakes frequently. Which referral is most appropriate before initiating orofacial myofunctional therapy?

Accepted Answer

Sleep medicine specialist or ENT for sleep-disordered breathing evaluation

Answer

Nighttime bruxism, restless sleep, and frequent waking are hallmark signs of sleep-disordered breathing, warranting evaluation by an ENT or sleep medicine specialist.

Question 2

The Friedman Tongue Position (FTP) grading system is used by orofacial myologists to assess:

Accepted Answer

Tongue size and position relative to oral cavity structures at rest

Answer

The FTP scale grades tongue visibility relative to palatal pillars and uvula, correlating tongue bulk/position with airway obstruction risk.

Question 3

Which cranial nerve is primarily responsible for tongue movement and should be assessed during orofacial myological evaluation?

Accepted Answer

CN XII (Hypoglossal)

Answer

CN XII (Hypoglossal) is the primary motor nerve for intrinsic and extrinsic tongue muscles and is assessed by observing tongue protrusion, lateralization, and elevation.

Question 4

When assessing chewing function, the clinician observes that the patient consistently chews only on the right side. This finding is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Unilateral chewing preference

Answer

Consistent chewing on one side is classified as a unilateral chewing preference and may contribute to asymmetric muscle development and jaw deviation.

Question 5

In pediatric orofacial myofunctional assessment, which finding would prompt immediate medical referral rather than proceeding with therapy?

Accepted Answer

Asymmetric tongue movement with unilateral fasciculations

Answer

Fasciculations (involuntary muscle twitches) and asymmetric tongue movement suggest a neurological etiology that requires medical evaluation before therapy.

(COM) Certified Orofacial Myologist Practice Test

(COM) Certified Orofacial Myologist Practice Test

COM Patient Assessment & Evaluation 3