DRC Patient Management & Special Populations

Question 1

A patient with a strong gag reflex is struggling with posterior periapical exposures. Which technique is MOST effective for reducing the gag reflex?

Accepted Answer

Applying salt to the tip of the patient's tongue before placement

Answer

Increasing kVp to allow faster exposure

Answer

Placing the receptor as far posteriorly as possible to ensure coverage

Answer

Using a size 4 receptor to minimize repositioning

Question 2

When taking periapical radiographs on a 5-year-old child, which receptor size is MOST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Size 0 (pediatric)

Answer

Size 1

Answer

Size 2

Answer

Size 4

Question 3

A patient who is pregnant presents for her routine hygiene appointment requiring radiographs. Which statement BEST reflects current guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Radiographs may be taken when clinically necessary using a lead apron and thyroid collar

Answer

All radiographs must be postponed until after delivery

Answer

Only bitewing radiographs are permitted during pregnancy

Answer

Exposure time must be reduced by 50% for pregnant patients

Question 4

A patient with severe trismus (limited mouth opening of less than 20 mm) requires a diagnostic radiographic survey. Which imaging modality is MOST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Panoramic radiograph or other extraoral imaging

Answer

Standard paralleling technique with size 2 receptor

Answer

Bitewing radiographs only

Answer

Bisecting angle technique with size 1 receptor

Question 5

When positioning a patient with a physical disability who cannot be transferred from their wheelchair, the BEST approach for intraoral radiographs is to:

Accepted Answer

Tilt the wheelchair back and adjust the X-ray tube head position to accommodate the patient

Answer

Postpone radiographs until the patient can be transferred to the dental chair

Answer

Use only panoramic radiography for all wheelchair-bound patients

Answer

Reduce the number of radiographs taken to minimize positioning challenges

Question 6

An elderly patient reports taking bisphosphonate medications for osteoporosis. Which radiographic finding is of PRIMARY clinical concern when reviewing their images?

Accepted Answer

Signs of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) such as sclerosis or non-healing extraction sites

Answer

Pulp stones in posterior teeth

Answer

Enamel hypoplasia patterns

Answer

Generalized calculus deposits

Question 7

When taking radiographs of an elderly patient with severe xerostomia, which consideration is MOST important during receptor placement?

Accepted Answer

Being especially gentle during placement as dry mucosa is more fragile and prone to tearing

Answer

Increasing kVp to compensate for reduced tissue density

Answer

Using only digital sensors to avoid film processing chemicals

Answer

Reducing exposure time to minimize radiation to already compromised tissues