DANB CDA Dental Pharmacology 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What chemical classification does lidocaine belong to?
- Ester
- Amide (Correct answer)
- Opiate
- Steroid
Correct answer: Amide
Lidocaine is an amide-type local anesthetic, metabolized by the liver rather than by plasma pseudocholinesterase.
Question 2: What is the primary reason epinephrine is added to local anesthetic solutions?
- To increase the patient's heart rate
- To prolong anesthesia duration and reduce systemic absorption (Correct answer)
- To prevent allergic reactions to the anesthetic
- To raise the pH of the solution
Correct answer: To prolong anesthesia duration and reduce systemic absorption
Epinephrine is a vasoconstrictor that slows local blood flow, prolonging anesthetic action and reducing systemic toxicity.
Question 3: Which antibiotic is the first-line choice for infective endocarditis prophylaxis before dental procedures, per AHA guidelines?
- Clindamycin
- Amoxicillin (Correct answer)
- Erythromycin
- Tetracycline
Correct answer: Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin 2 g orally 30–60 minutes before the procedure is the current American Heart Association recommendation.
Question 4: What does the term 'analgesic' mean in dental pharmacology?
- A drug that prevents infection
- A drug that reduces inflammation only
- A drug that relieves pain (Correct answer)
- A drug that induces general anesthesia
Correct answer: A drug that relieves pain
Analgesics are medications designed to relieve pain without causing loss of consciousness.
Question 5: Which local anesthetic formulation is most appropriate for a patient with a documented sulfite allergy when profound anesthesia is required?
- Lidocaine 2% with 1:100,000 epinephrine
- Mepivacaine 3% plain (Correct answer)
- Articaine 4% with 1:100,000 epinephrine
- Bupivacaine 0.5% with 1:200,000 epinephrine
Correct answer: Mepivacaine 3% plain
Mepivacaine plain contains no vasoconstrictor and therefore no bisulfite preservative, making it safe for sulfite-sensitive patients.
Question 6: What DEA schedule classification applies to most opioid pain medications such as oxycodone?
- Schedule I
- Schedule II (Correct answer)
- Schedule III
- Schedule V
Correct answer: Schedule II
Oxycodone and similar opioids are Schedule II controlled substances because of their high potential for abuse and dependence.
Question 7: Which of the following is a common side effect of opioid analgesics prescribed after dental procedures?
- Hypertension
- Constipation and nausea (Correct answer)
- Increased salivation
- Elevated body temperature
Correct answer: Constipation and nausea
Opioids frequently cause constipation and nausea due to their action on opioid receptors throughout the gastrointestinal tract.
DANB CDA Dental Pharmacology 1
What chemical classification does lidocaine belong to?