DAANCE Patient Assessment and Preparation 2

Question 1

During pre-sedation airway assessment using the Mallampati classification, a Class IV finding indicates:

Accepted Answer

No visibility of the soft palate - hardest class, predicting difficult intubation

Answer

Mallampati Class IV: only the hard palate is visible with mouth fully open; soft palate is not visible. This strongly predicts difficult laryngoscopy and intubation.

Question 2

Which preoperative laboratory value is MOST important to check in a patient with a history of heavy alcohol use before IV sedation?

Accepted Answer

Prothrombin time/INR and liver function tests

Answer

Heavy alcohol use causes hepatic disease, impairing coagulation factor synthesis (elevated PT/INR) and drug metabolism (altered sedative pharmacokinetics).

Question 3

A patient blood pressure before sedation is 148/92 mmHg. According to AHA classification this is:

Accepted Answer

Stage 1 hypertension

Answer

AHA 2017 guidelines: Stage 1 hypertension = SBP 130 to 139 or DBP 80 to 89. Stage 2 = SBP 140 or above or DBP 90 or above. A reading of 148/92 meets Stage 1 criteria.

Question 4

Before administering IV sedation to a patient who takes clopidogrel (Plavix), the dental team should be aware that this drug:

Accepted Answer

Inhibits ADP-mediated platelet aggregation, increasing bleeding risk

Answer

Clopidogrel irreversibly inhibits P2Y12 platelet receptors, impairing platelet aggregation for the platelet lifespan (approximately 7 to 10 days), increasing bleeding risk.

Question 5

A consent discussion for IV sedation should include all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

A guarantee of complete amnesia during the procedure

Answer

Guaranteeing amnesia is inappropriate and constitutes an improper promise. Informed consent should describe expected effects and realistic outcomes, not guarantees.

DAANCE - Dental Anesthesia Assistant National Certification Examination Practice Test

DAANCE - Dental Anesthesia Assistant National Certification Examination Practice Test

DAANCE Patient Assessment and Preparation 2