DANB CDA Oral Pathology and Dental Emergencies Flashcards

Which of the following is the correct first step when a patient experiences syncope (fainting) in the dental chair?

Answer: Place the patient in a supine (reclined) position with legs elevated

Syncope is managed by immediately placing the patient supine with legs slightly elevated to restore blood flow to the brain, followed by loosening tight clothing and monitoring vitals.

A white, non-wipeable lesion on the oral mucosa that cannot be classified as any other condition is termed:

Answer: Leukoplakia

Leukoplakia is defined as a white patch or plaque on the oral mucosa that cannot be wiped off or characterized as any other diagnosable condition, and it carries a risk of malignant transformation.

A patient reports crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm during a dental appointment. The dental assistant should:

Answer: Discontinue treatment, activate EMS (911), and prepare the emergency kit

Signs of a myocardial infarction (heart attack) require immediate discontinuation of dental treatment, calling 911, keeping the patient calm, and preparing emergency oxygen and the AED.

Herpetic whitlow in a dental healthcare worker is caused by contact of which virus with a break in the skin?

Answer: Herpes simplex virus (HSV)

Herpetic whitlow is an HSV infection of the fingers or hands, commonly acquired by dental workers through contact with infected oral secretions when not wearing gloves.

What is the clinical appearance of an aphthous ulcer (canker sore)?

Answer: Painful, round ulcer with a gray-white pseudomembrane and red halo on movable mucosa

Aphthous ulcers appear as painful, well-defined, round-to-oval ulcers with a necrotic gray-white center surrounded by an erythematous halo, typically on movable oral mucosa.

Which systemic condition is most closely associated with delayed healing after a tooth extraction?

Answer: Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus

Uncontrolled diabetes impairs wound healing due to compromised vascular supply, reduced immune response, and altered collagen synthesis, leading to delayed post-extraction healing.