NBDHE Dental Hygiene Care 3

Question 1

When assessing a patient's blood pressure and finding 178/95 mmHg at the beginning of an appointment, the dental hygienist's BEST initial action is:

Accepted Answer

Measure blood pressure in the opposite arm, allow patient to rest 5 minutes, and remeasure before consulting the dentist

Answer

Immediately administer nitroglycerin

Answer

Proceed with treatment using only topical anesthetic to avoid any systemic effects

Answer

Cancel the appointment without further assessment

Question 2

The modified Bass toothbrushing technique primarily targets which area for plaque removal?

Accepted Answer

The gingival sulcus and gingival margin, with the bristles angled 45° toward the gingiva and a short vibratory motion

Answer

The occlusal surfaces with horizontal scrubbing

Answer

The entire buccal and lingual surfaces with a circular motion

Answer

Interproximal areas using a sweeping motion only

Question 3

A patient presents with a chief complaint of sensitivity to cold that lingers for 30 seconds. This BEST describes:

Accepted Answer

Irreversible pulpitis — lingering pain after cold stimulus suggests inflamed pulp with neural sensitization

Answer

Normal dental sensitivity

Answer

Reversible pulpitis — resolves quickly after stimulus removal

Answer

Periapical abscess — no thermal response expected

Question 4

Which index is used to document the severity of oral malodor (halitosis) in a clinical dental hygiene assessment?

Accepted Answer

Organoleptic scoring (OLS) using a trained judge, supplemented by portable sulfide monitors measuring volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs)

Answer

DMFT index

Answer

Oral hygiene index (OHI-S)

Answer

Plaque index (PI)

Question 5

When using powered instrumentation (ultrasonic), which patient condition is a RELATIVE contraindication requiring precautions?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac pacemaker — older models may be susceptible to electromagnetic interference from magnetostrictive units

Answer

Healthy periodontium with no deposits

Answer

Use of fluoride products

Answer

Pregnancy in the second trimester

Question 6

Documentation in the dental hygiene record should follow which standard to ensure medicolegal protection?

Accepted Answer

Entries should be timely, accurate, objective, complete, legible, and corrected properly (single line through errors with initials and date)

Answer

Errors should be completely erased and rewritten correctly

Answer

Dental hygienists should document only procedures, not patient behaviors or statements

Answer

Records can be altered retroactively if needed for insurance processing