FREE DANB Providing Pre- and Post-operative Patient Instructions Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient scheduled for a procedure with IV sedation should be given which pre-operative dietary instruction?

Accepted Answer

Have nothing by mouth (NPO) for at least 8 hours prior.

Answer

Patients receiving IV sedation must have an empty stomach to prevent aspiration (inhaling stomach contents) if they become nauseated. The standard instruction is NPO (nothing by mouth), including food, water, and gum, for 6-8 hours before the procedure.

Question 2

If minor bleeding from an extraction site continues at home, the patient should be instructed to:

Accepted Answer

Place a fresh, moist gauze pad and bite with firm pressure.

Answer

Continued minor oozing is normal. The patient should be instructed to fold a clean piece of gauze, moisten it slightly, place it directly over the socket, and bite down firmly and consistently for 30-45 minutes to re-establish pressure and help the clot stabilize.

Question 3

To best manage post-operative swelling during the first 24 hours, patients should be advised to:

Accepted Answer

Use an ice pack, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.

Answer

Applying cold packs intermittently (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) for the first 24-48 hours is the most effective way to manage post-operative swelling. The cold constricts blood vessels, which reduces inflammation and provides some analgesic effect.

Question 4

Which of the following is an appropriate dietary recommendation for a patient on the day of a surgical extraction?

Accepted Answer

Yogurt, pudding, and lukewarm soup

Answer

A soft, non-chew diet is recommended for the first 24 hours after surgery. Foods like yogurt, smoothies (without a straw), pudding, and lukewarm soups provide necessary nutrition without requiring chewing or risking damage to the surgical site.

Question 5

Post-operative instructions should include advising the patient to avoid which activity for the first 24 hours?

Accepted Answer

Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting

Answer

Strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or bending over can increase blood pressure and may cause the extraction site to bleed. Patients should be instructed to rest and avoid physical exertion for at least 24 hours to promote stable clot formation and healing.

DANB General Chairside Assisting (GC) Test Practice Test

DANB General Chairside Assisting (GC) Test Practice Test

FREE DANB Providing Pre- and Post-operative Patient Instructions Questions and Answers