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

Applying salt to the tip of the tongue stimulates acupressure points that suppress the gag reflex, improving patient tolerance for posterior receptor placement.

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 0 receptors are the pediatric size and are designed to fit comfortably in the small oral cavity of young children without causing excessive discomfort.

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

According to current guidelines, dental radiographs are safe during pregnancy when clinically indicated and proper shielding (lead apron and thyroid collar) is used; routine postponement is not necessary.

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

When intraoral receptor placement is impossible due to severe trismus, extraoral imaging such as panoramic radiography provides the necessary diagnostic information without requiring significant mouth opening.

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

Tilting the wheelchair back and adapting the tube head position allows intraoral radiographs to be taken without requiring patient transfer, maintaining both dignity and diagnostic quality.

(DRC) Dental Radiology Certification for Dental Hygienist Practice Test

(DRC) Dental Radiology Certification for Dental Hygienist Practice Test

DRC Patient Management & Special Populations