Patient Assessment Flashcards

During a comprehensive dental hygiene assessment, which index measures the accumulation of supragingival calculus?

Answer: Calculus Index (CI)

The Calculus Index (CI) component of the Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S) specifically measures supragingival and subgingival calculus deposits.

A patient's blood pressure reading is 145/95 mmHg. According to AHA guidelines, this is classified as:

Answer: Stage 1 hypertension

According to the 2017 AHA/ACC guidelines, a blood pressure of 130–139/80–89 mmHg is Stage 1 hypertension; 145/95 mmHg falls in the Stage 1 to Stage 2 range and is classified as Stage 2 hypertension — however, 140–159/90–99 is Stage 2.

When probing a pocket, the dental hygienist records a reading of 5 mm with bleeding on probing. This finding indicates:

Answer: Moderate to advanced periodontitis with inflammation

A probing depth of 5 mm combined with bleeding on probing indicates periodontal pocket formation with active inflammation, consistent with moderate periodontitis.

Which of the following medical conditions requires a physician consultation before dental hygiene treatment due to risk of infective endocarditis?

Answer: Prosthetic heart valve

Patients with prosthetic heart valves are at high risk for infective endocarditis and may require antibiotic prophylaxis before invasive dental procedures.

Which assessment tool is used to evaluate a patient's level of dental anxiety before treatment?

Answer: Corah Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS)

The Corah Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) is a validated 4-question tool used to assess a patient's level of dental anxiety before treatment.

During an extraoral examination, the dental hygienist palpates a hard, non-movable lymph node in the neck. What is the clinical significance of this finding?

Answer: Possible malignancy requiring immediate referral

Hard, fixed (non-movable) lymph nodes are associated with malignancy and warrant immediate referral to a physician for further evaluation.