NDHCE Patient Assessment

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Calculus Index (CI)

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Stage 1 hypertension

Answer

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.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Moderate to advanced periodontitis with inflammation

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Prosthetic heart valve

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Corah Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS)

Answer

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

NDHCE - National Dental Hygiene Certification Examination Practice Test

NDHCE - National Dental Hygiene Certification Examination Practice Test

NDHCE Patient Assessment