NBDHE Management of Special Needs Patients 2

Question 1

A patient with Type 1 diabetes presents for a dental hygiene appointment. Which oral manifestation is MOST associated with poorly controlled diabetes?

Accepted Answer

Severe generalized periodontitis with poor healing

Answer

Rampant cervical caries only

Answer

Xerostomia without periodontal involvement

Answer

White candidiasis unrelated to blood glucose levels

Question 2

When treating a patient with hemophilia A, the dental hygienist should be MOST concerned about:

Accepted Answer

Prolonged bleeding after scaling/surgical procedures due to deficiency of clotting Factor VIII

Answer

Increased risk of infection due to low WBC

Answer

Severe dry socket after extraction

Answer

Hypertensive crisis during treatment

Question 3

A patient with Down syndrome (trisomy 21) commonly presents with which oral feature that affects dental hygiene care?

Accepted Answer

Generalized hypotonia of the tongue and facial muscles with macroglossia and increased periodontal disease susceptibility

Answer

Severe enamel hypoplasia on all teeth

Answer

Fusion of all primary molars

Answer

Cleft palate exclusively

Question 4

Which of the following describes an appropriate modification when providing dental hygiene care to a patient who is wheelchair-bound and cannot be transferred to the dental chair?

Accepted Answer

Treating the patient in their wheelchair using a headrest attachment, positioning the clinician behind the patient

Answer

Refusing to provide care until the patient can be transferred

Answer

Using only a hand mirror without powered instrumentation

Answer

Only providing preventive education without any clinical procedures

Question 5

A patient taking bisphosphonate medication for osteoporosis is considered at risk for which dental-specific complication?

Accepted Answer

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) after invasive dental procedures

Answer

Rampant cervical caries

Answer

Gingival hyperplasia

Answer

Burning mouth syndrome

Question 6

A 7-year-old patient with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) becomes dysregulated during a dental hygiene appointment. Which BEST describes an appropriate approach?

Accepted Answer

Use a tell-show-do technique, maintain a calm and predictable environment, and allow sensory accommodations

Answer

Restrain the child to complete the appointment efficiently

Answer

Dismiss the child and reschedule with no modifications

Answer

Proceed quickly without explanation to minimize exposure time