ADEX Pharmacology and Pain Management

Question 1

Which local anesthetic has the longest duration of action and is most appropriate for lengthy dental hygiene procedures?

Accepted Answer

Bupivacaine 0.5%

Answer

Bupivacaine has the longest duration of pulpal anesthesia (up to 90 minutes) among commonly used dental local anesthetics due to its high protein binding.

Question 2

A patient reports an allergy to sulfa drugs. Which local anesthetic should be avoided due to its ester linkage and potential cross-reactivity with PABA metabolites?

Accepted Answer

Procaine

Answer

Ester anesthetics like procaine are metabolized to para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), which can cause allergic reactions in patients sensitive to sulfonamides.

Question 3

What is the maximum recommended dose of lidocaine with epinephrine for a healthy adult patient in dental procedures?

Accepted Answer

4.4 mg/kg up to 300 mg

Answer

The maximum recommended dose of lidocaine with vasoconstrictor is 4.4 mg/kg with an absolute maximum of 300 mg to prevent systemic toxicity.

Question 4

Which vasoconstrictor concentration is most commonly found in dental local anesthetic cartridges in the United States?

Accepted Answer

1:100,000 epinephrine

Answer

1:100,000 epinephrine is the standard concentration in most dental cartridges, providing adequate vasoconstriction with minimal cardiovascular risk.

Question 5

Which block technique anesthetizes the lingual nerve, inferior alveolar nerve, and long buccal nerve with a single injection?

Accepted Answer

Gow-Gates mandibular block

Answer

The Gow-Gates block targets the mandibular nerve trunk at the condylar neck, anesthetizing all three nerves supplying the mandibular arch with one injection.

ADEX - Dental Hygiene Exam Practice Test

ADEX - Dental Hygiene Exam Practice Test

ADEX Pharmacology and Pain Management