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

Poorly controlled diabetes is bidirectionally linked with severe periodontitis; hyperglycemia impairs neutrophil function and healing, worsening periodontal disease, which in turn worsens glycemic control.

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

Hemophilia A is caused by a deficiency of clotting Factor VIII, resulting in impaired coagulation and risk of prolonged, potentially life-threatening bleeding after dental procedures.

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

Down syndrome is associated with hypotonia (reduced muscle tone), relative or apparent macroglossia, mouth breathing, increased periodontal susceptibility due to impaired immune function, and dental anomalies.

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

Patients who cannot be transferred should be treated in their wheelchair using a portable headrest and ergonomic positioning, with full access to oral cavity when possible.

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

Bisphosphonates accumulate in bone and inhibit osteoclast activity; invasive dental procedures (extractions, implants) in such patients can trigger medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ).

NBDHE Test Practice Test

NBDHE Test Practice Test

NBDHE Management of Special Needs Patients 2