NBDHE Pharmacology in Dental Hygiene Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient taking lisinopril for hypertension requires a recommendation for an over-the-counter analgesic following a scaling and root planing procedure. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate recommendation?

Accepted Answer

Acetaminophen

Answer

Acetaminophen is the most appropriate choice because it does not significantly interfere with the antihypertensive effects of ACE inhibitors like lisinopril. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin, can reduce the effectiveness of ACE inhibitors and increase the risk of acute kidney injury when used concurrently. [1, 7, 12, 15, 23]

Question 2

According to the latest American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines, which of the following conditions requires antibiotic prophylaxis before dental procedures that involve manipulation of gingival tissue?

Accepted Answer

Prosthetic cardiac valve

Answer

The current AHA guidelines recommend antibiotic prophylaxis only for patients with the highest risk of adverse outcomes from infective endocarditis. This includes patients with prosthetic cardiac valves, a history of infective endocarditis, specific congenital heart diseases, and cardiac transplant recipients with valvulopathy. Mitral valve prolapse, previous CABG, and rheumatic heart disease no longer require routine prophylaxis. [2, 17, 19]

Question 3

A patient with a history of a myocardial infarction 3 months ago requires a restorative procedure. Which of the following is the primary concern when selecting a local anesthetic?

Accepted Answer

Limiting the dose of the vasoconstrictor

Answer

For patients with a recent history of myocardial infarction (typically within 3-6 months), the primary concern is cardiovascular stability. Vasoconstrictors like epinephrine can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Therefore, the dose should be limited to the minimum effective amount, often the cardiac dose (0.04 mg epinephrine). [3, 9, 11, 30]

Question 4

A patient's prescription for an antimicrobial rinse has the instruction "Sig: 15 mL swish and spit q.i.d. p.c.". What does "q.i.d." indicate for the patient?

Accepted Answer

Four times a day

Answer

In pharmacology and prescription writing, the Latin abbreviation "q.i.d." stands for "quater in die," which translates to "four times a day." Other common abbreviations include b.i.d. (twice a day), t.i.d. (three times a day), and p.r.n. (as needed). [4, 22]

Question 5

A 55-year-old patient reports a persistent, non-productive dry cough that started several weeks after they began a new medication. They also note experiencing xerostomia. Which class of medication is MOST likely responsible for these side effects?

Accepted Answer

ACE inhibitors

Answer

A persistent dry cough is a well-known and common side effect of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as lisinopril or enalapril. While many antihypertensives can cause xerostomia, the combination of a dry mouth and a characteristic dry cough strongly points towards an ACE inhibitor. [10, 14, 29]

NBDHE Test Practice Test

NBDHE Test Practice Test

NBDHE Pharmacology in Dental Hygiene Questions and Answers