NBDHE NBDHE Management of Special Needs Patients 4

Question 1

A patient with a spinal cord injury at the C5 level presents for dental hygiene treatment. Which complication is a life-threatening emergency unique to this population?

Accepted Answer

Autonomic dysreflexia

Answer

Autonomic dysreflexia is a potentially fatal hypertensive emergency triggered by stimuli below the injury level, such as a full bladder or dental pain.

Question 2

Which of the following systemic conditions is most associated with hypercementosis and hypoplastic enamel in primary teeth?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin D-resistant rickets (X-linked hypophosphatemia)

Answer

X-linked hypophosphatemia causes defective mineralization, leading to enamel hypoplasia and dentinal tubule defects that predispose teeth to abscesses.

Question 3

A patient with schizophrenia takes an antipsychotic medication. Which oral side effect is most commonly associated with long-term antipsychotic use?

Accepted Answer

Xerostomia and subsequent increased caries risk

Answer

Antipsychotic medications commonly cause xerostomia through anticholinergic effects, significantly elevating caries risk.

Question 4

When treating a pregnant patient in the third trimester, which positioning concern must be addressed to prevent a medical emergency?

Accepted Answer

Tilting the patient slightly to the left to avoid supine hypotensive syndrome

Answer

Left lateral displacement relieves pressure of the gravid uterus on the inferior vena cava, preventing supine hypotensive syndrome.

Question 5

A patient with sickle cell disease presents with a dental abscess. Which consideration is most important before local anesthetic administration?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring the patient is well-hydrated and not in a sickle cell crisis

Answer

Dental treatment should be deferred during sickle cell crisis; ensuring hydration and stable status minimizes the risk of triggering vaso-occlusive events.

NBDHE Test Practice Test

NBDHE Test Practice Test

NBDHE NBDHE Management of Special Needs Patients 4